Bangladesh's new Twenty20 skipper Nurul Hasan said Sunday he would push his team to play "fearless cricket" to improve its lagging performance in the game's shortest format.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bangladesh this week appointed Nurul captain for a three-match series against Zimbabwe, resting regular captain Mahmudullah Riyad, whom local media have tipped for imminent retirement.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"We are lagging behind in Tests and T20s compared to one-day internationals. It is important for us we improve," Nurul said in his first press conference as captain in Dhaka.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"For me fearless cricket is important. We will see if we can do this," he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"If we remain fearless, chances for things turning positive will be high. When you have fear of failure it will affect you negatively."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Riyad's absence means Bangladesh will play a series for the first time in many years without a single member of the team's "Fabulous Four".<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Senior cricketer Mushfiqur Rahim has also been rested for the Zimbabwe series, while star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan took personal leave and batsman Tamim Iqbal this week announced his T20I retirement.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Nurul has been tasked to lead the team into a new era, with the ICC T20 World Cup just a few months away.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He inherited a team that won just one of their last 13 matches and is currently ranked ninth in the world.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bangladesh will play three T20Is against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club ground starting July 30.<\/p>\r\n\r\n