Bishop backs experience of former greats, avoids Shakib question

West Indies commentator Ian Bishop believes former cricketers can play a vital role in strengthening the game by passing on their knowledge to the next generation, but declined to comment directly on whether Bangladesh could use Shakib Al Hasan as a coach or mentor.

Shakib last represented Bangladesh in 2024 September  and has since been unable to return to the country amid political and other complications. Asked whether the experienced all-rounder could contribute to Bangladesh cricket in a mentoring role, Bishop said he was not sufficiently informed about the circumstances surrounding his absence.

“I am not in a position to know the full details of why Shakib is not here. Beyond what I have read in the media, I do not know the complexities of the situation, so I would not want to comment on it,” Bishop said.

The former West Indies fast bowler, however, highlighted the value of involving experienced players in cricket development, citing legends such as Brian Lara, Curtly Ambrose, Michael Holding, Joel Garner and Gordon Greenidge.

He also mentioned Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo and Darren Sammy as examples of former players whose experience could benefit Caribbean cricket.

“They can speak to national team players, but they can also work with children at school level. That would help strengthen the game from the grassroots,” he said.

Bishop stressed that the knowledge accumulated by successful cricketers over the years should not be lost. He expressed hope that Bangladesh would continue to preserve and pass on that experience, adding that Caribbean cricket was also trying to follow the same approach.