Bashar credits players behind Chattogram Royals’ strong performance

Chattogram Royals mentor Habibul Bashar has credited player commitment and team unity on Tuesday for the side’s impressive rise to second in the points table in the ongoing Bashundhara Cement Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), despite taking charge just a day before the tournament began.

“Honestly speaking, at that time we thought if we could win three or four matches, we would be very happy,” Bashar said. “We took over the team literally the day before, and the squad was a bit unorganised. There was uncertainty among the players and very little time to put things together.”

The former national captain said the opening match played a crucial role in building confidence. “We tried to keep the players comfortable, build their belief and confidence. But at the end of the day, credit goes to the players. They responded very well and performed.”

The former right-handed batter admitted that limited preparation time and difficulties in overseas recruitment made the task harder, as the team initially started with only two foreign players. However, he said belief in the existing squad helped turn things around.

“Now the team is well organised and confident. We may not have big names, but we are playing as a team, and that is the most important thing in a tournament,” Bashar added.