Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu has issued a public apology to Mosaddek Hossain Saikat following backlash over his controversial comment regarding the player’s exclusion from Bangladesh’s ODI squad for the Sri Lanka tour.
Despite being named the best player of the Dhaka Premier League, Bangladesh’s top List A competition, Mosaddek was overlooked when the squad was announced. At the time, Lipu had said, “As long as Mehidy Hasan Miraz is in the team, there is no chance for Mosaddek.” The remark drew strong criticism from fans and pundits, prompting the former captain to reflect on his words.
Speaking to reporters on 9 July at Pallekele Stadium, where he is currently with the national team, Lipu admitted his choice of words was inappropriate. “It’s good that the question came up,” he said. “I made that comment during a live programme where I had to answer several questions. I now realise my phrasing was poor. I said, ‘As long as Miraz is in the team, there is no chance for Mosaddek.’ In hindsight, I should have said his chances would be slim.”
Lipu explained that the realisation dawned on him while watching a domestic match in Chattogram. “I saw the comment again on the news and understood I should’ve presented it differently. I made a mistake in delivery,” he said.
The chief selector also confirmed that he met Mosaddek face to face to apologise. “Two days after the comment, I met Mosaddek and told him ‘sorry’ directly. I made it clear I didn’t mean to say it that way,” Lipu added. “Like every other player, I want Mosaddek to continue playing regularly in domestic cricket. That’s how he’ll remain in our consideration.”