Dhaka, Sep 7: Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Jaker Ali Anik has brushed aside external criticism ahead of the Asia Cup, saying the team is focused on its own game rather than proving a point to detractors.
Speaking to reporters at the airport on Sunday morning before the squad’s departure, Jaker said the Tigers were in high spirits after a solid build-up that included fitness camps and the recent Netherlands series.“The environment in the dressing room has always been positive. Our preparation has gone really well, from fitness sessions to the Netherlands series. Everything has been on track. We’re hopeful of a good result in the Asia Cup,” he said.Asked about recent remarks from former cricketers like Aakash Chopra and Russel Arnold, who suggested Bangladesh may struggle to progress beyond the group stage, Jaker was firm in his response. “There’s nothing to prove to anyone. We’re not here to give answers to critics. We’ll just play our cricket and give our best,” he stated.The 26-year-old also stressed the importance of keeping things simple in a high-profile tournament. “You have to treat every match the same way, whether it’s a big tournament or a bilateral series. There’s no need to overthink. We just want to stick to our basics and play freely,” Jaker added. (Agencies)
