Nannu hopes smooth sailing for Bangladesh Cricket under new govt

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Chief Programme Coordinator Minhajul Abedin Nannu has expressed optimism that the country's cricket will move forward smoothly as a newly-elected government prepares to take office.

Nannu made the remarks at a time when Bangladesh cricket has been facing a turbulent period due to various on-and off-field issues.

"Since a newly-elected government is set to take oath, we hope everything will now go smoothly," Nannu said here today while speaking to the media. "There have been misunderstandings among clubs, and those issues must be resolved."

He emphasized that cricket must receive top priority and remain above all individual or factional interests.

"We want our cricket to come first - our Bangladesh above everything," he said. "We've to move forward, keeping in mind that cricket comes first. There should be no compromise when it comes to the game. We want the best possible outcome for everyone."

Nannu, a former Bangladesh captain and ex-chief selector of the BCB, also spoke about the India-Pakistan rivalry. According to him, the traditional aura surrounding India-Pakistan clashes has faded, and Bangladesh now generates greater excitement across the subcontinent.

Claiming the Bangladesh vs India clash is more lively than Pakistan vs India clash, he said, "It feels that Bangladesh vs India match generates more excitement than India vs Pakistan clash."

India recently secured a commanding 61-run victory over Pakistan in Colombo, improving their record to 8-1 in the last nine T20 World Cup meetings between the two sides.     �"AFP