Tamim credits cricketers for landmark victory

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Tamim Iqbal heaped praise on the cricketers and team management, saying their hunger to prove their credential was instrumental in the landmark nine-wicket victory against mighty Australis in the first cricket Test in Darwin.

Tamim spoke to the cricketers immediately after the match and was also present during a video call with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman following the monumental victory, which will now forever have a place in Bangladesh cricket's folklore.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto termed the victory as the biggest achievement in the country's cricket history. The nine-wicket margin made it the biggest victory by an Asian team in terms of wickets on Australian soil.

"It is very difficult for any team to play in Australia. Winning in this region of the world is the toughest assignment," Tamim told the reporters here at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

"The way the Bangladesh team played cricket there after 23 years and won...So, the 1000 percent credit is theirs."

The players, team management, selectors-everyone has to be given credit, Tamim remarked.

"We, the board, are only there to support them, provide them with facilities and guide them. This achievement is not the work of anyone else. It is entirely the team management, selectors and players."

The achievement has added significance for Tamim, who never played a Test in Australia during his nearly 15-year international career. He is now serving as BCB president while a new generation of Bangladesh cricketers produced one of the country's most memorable Test results.

Bangladesh's victory is particularly notable given the struggles of other Asian teams in Australia. Pakistan have not won a Test on Australian soil in the 21st century, while Sri Lanka have never secured a Test victory there.

Asked what bonus the players could expect for the historic achievement, Tamim declined to disclose details.

"Let the bonus issue be between us (players and board). We will discuss it with the players," he said.

"As Bangladesh Cricket Board, we are very proud of this achievement of the players. I hope Bangladesh cricket will go further from here. This victory will send a big message internationally. It is not just a victory, but a strong message. We are all very happy."

Bangladesh's position in the current World Test Championship cycle has also improved significantly following the victory, with the team now fourth in the points table.

They still have six Tests remaining in the cycle-two each at home against the West Indies and England, and two away against South Africa. A clean sweep in the four home Tests could keep Bangladesh in contention for a place in the World Test Championship final.

Tamim, however, preferred not to look too far ahead.

"The way they are playing, anything is possible. I don't want to think too far ahead. It's the job of the team management and the players; they will think about it," he concluded.    �"BSS