Bangladesh's dismal performance at the World Cup has sparked calls for wholesale changes from dragging players out of their comfort zones to a radical transformation of a domestic set-up too often plagued by allegations of corruption and mismanagement.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bangladesh became the first country to be eliminated from the World Cup when they crashed to a seven-wicket defeat to Pakistan in Kolkata on Tuesday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pakistan swept to victory with 105 balls to spare leaving Bangladesh out of contention with two rounds of matches left to play.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
They started the tournament well enough, beating Afghanistan by six wickets.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, they then lost six consecutive matches, which not only ended their semi-final chances but also put the side's qualification for the 2025 Champions Trophy in jeopardy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bangladesh lost to England by 137 runs, New Zealand by eight wickets, India by seven wickets, South Africa by 149 runs and to non-Test playing Netherlands by 87 runs before Pakistan put them out of their misery.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bangladesh went to the World Cup after finishing third in the Super League qualification tournament just behind New Zealand and defending champions England.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
But many of the games they won were on home turf, where low and slow wickets suited the team's playing style.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"We have seen a rapid transformation in international cricket, where you may need to hit four sixes in an over and bowl very accurately," said Bishwajit Roy, sports editor of the Daily Star newspaper.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Bangladesh players could not develop the required skill due to playing consistently on low and slow wickets at home."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
- 'Appear helpless'-<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Highly-regarded local coach Nazmul Abedin Fahim suggested Bangladesh restructure its domestic cricket to create a challenging environment for players that would benefit them in the international arena.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Poor wickets, substandard umpiring, and allegations of match-fixing often mar Bangladesh's domestic game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"We must address the core problem instead of looking at the periphery," said Fahim.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Our players don't face challenges in local cricket. As a result, they appear helpless in international matches. We should change it and ensure they get better coaching in local cricket as well," he told AFP.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Their overseas form has also exposed a gulf between Bangladesh's domestic cricket and international results.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Anamul Haque and Mohammad Naim, two of the top run-getters in the previous two seasons of the Dhaka Premier League, failed to grab a spot in the World Cup squad.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bangladesh were the last team to announce a 15-man squad, less than 24 hours before the players' departure for India.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Controversy over the axing of Tamim Iqbal and captain Shakib Al Hasan's subsequent verbal attack on the batsman created an unsettled environment.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
That was reflected in performances. In a tournament which has witnessed record and rapid run-getting, Bangladesh's highest total was just 256 against India.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Several players who have served the team for nearly two decades are set to end their careers very soon.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Captain Shakib Al Hasan and batsmen Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah are unlikely to play in another World Cup.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mahmudullah is Bangladesh's top run scorer at the World Cup but he will be 38 in February.<\/p>\r\n\r\n