‘Bangladesh have good players, but not world-class,’ says Moeen Ali

Sylhet Titans all-rounder Moeen Ali expressed in a recent interview that Bangladesh now have more good players, but not at the level of world-class cricketers. The former English international mentioned Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal as world-class, but after them, he reckons there are none in the Bangladesh team.

“I think before you had maybe two, three world-class players, like obviously Tamim, Shakib. They were big. It's not just about being a world-class player, I think their characters are also good,” he said. “They were fighters, and in terms of the way they played, they were quality players. And I think Bangladesh was very lucky over the years to have two of them over a long period. But I think now they have more good players, but not at world-class level. And I think that's the problem so far. So, they have lots of...generally more good players at a certain level, but they don't have world-class players at the moment.”

The left-handed batsman also talked about Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, labelling him a world-class player, but the off-spinner said there are still a lack of characters in terms of mental strength.

“Obviously, Fizz, I know Fizz is world-class. And, they also need characters in the team. And I just think they're missing that a little bit, to be honest with you. Bangladesh cricket has improved, but not improved sometimes mentally, more than anything. I think them two guys in particular were mentally very strong.”