Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed has made it clear that his team are not travelling to the Asia Cup simply to make up the numbers. Their sights, he insists, are firmly set on the title. At the same time, he expressed gratitude for the affection and respect he continues to receive from supporters.
Speaking at an event on Friday, Taskin outlined the team’s collective ambition.
“Our expectation and the team’s expectation, in fact everyone’s expectation, is to become champions. We are not just going there to participate – we are going with the goal of being champions,” he said.
Bangladesh’s recent run in T20 cricket has fuelled belief heading into the tournament. They arrive on the back of three successive series wins over Sri Lanka, Pakistan and the Netherlands. “By the grace of Allah, we have won our last three series,” Taskin noted.
Individually, the 30-year-old has found rhythm as well. Despite a modest return in the Sri Lanka series, he excelled against Pakistan, taking three wickets in each of the two matches. Against the Netherlands, he picked up four wickets in the opening game and two in the second, again finishing with six wickets across the series.
Alongside his on-field contributions, Taskin spoke warmly about the affection he receives nationwide.
“First of all, I thank Allah for giving me this (being a public figure). Alhamdulillah that people love me so much and respect me. I am fortunate,” he said.