Interview with Shakib Al Hasan: "I would love to see India-Bangladesh rivalry develop without any indecency"

On Sunday, Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was at his candid best in an interaction with Sportskeeda at a PUMA event in Bangalore.

The 28-year-old spoke about the rivalry between Indian and Bangladeshi fans lately, which has seen both sides cross the line. Recently, before the Asia Cup final between the two teams, a graphic image of MS Dhoni’s head held by Taskin Ahmed went viral on social media.

Asked about the rivalry between India and Bangladesh in recent times, Shakib said: “I love to see the rivalry develop without any indecency, but you know with crowds, you can’t control people. As far as I think with our team and the Indian team, we don’t think about those things.

“Outside the field, we are always good friends. We talk to each and share moments. Everything is cool with us. It’s just that some people who don’t talk decently sometimes.”

Despite the rivalry, the former Bangladesh captain said that the reception from Indian fans during the World T20 has been good.

“So far, the reception has been great. I’m sure they’ll be supporting India all the way on 23rd. We know what to expect and that’s what we play the game for,” he said.

Bangladesh have a great record against Pakistan over the last year in limited overs cricket but suffered a loss to the Shahid Afridi-led side in their first match at the World T20.

“It is disappointing to lose any cricket match, but it happens in T20. That is why the format is so unpredictable and exciting, and on one bad day, that can happen. So, we need to make sure that we come back strongly and do what we have been doing over the last 1-2 years,” Shakib said.

Shakib thinks that playing two matches at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore won’t be a disadvantage for the Bangladesh team despite the ground being small and the pitch expected to be flat.

“We have improved a lot with our fast bowling, they have been terrific. They have been winning most matches for us. I don’t think (playing at Chinnaswamy) will be a disadvantage. Our batsmen need to get used to the conditions, but the fast bowlers can do the job for us,” he added.