Bangladesh stalwart Tamim Iqbal has come down heavily on the critics of Tigers captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza who is going through a bad patch in this World Cup.
Mashrafe, a right-arm pacer, has managed to take only one wicket in three matches. His off-form prompted many to criticise the skipper and demand he be removed from the team.
Tamim, the opener, urged people to remember Masrhafe's contribution to the development of Bangladesh's cricket.
"People should think about what he did for Bangladesh during the last 10-15 years before expressing their opinions. It's important to know who are criticising him," he told reporters.
"Mashrafe is someone who brought us here. He deserves more respect than he is receiving now. Many players go through bad times during a mega event like the World Cup. Even a champion team doesn't have all performing players in their squad. I think Mashrafe's leadership and being with the team is most important for us," Tamim said.
Team Manager Khaled Mahmud also expressed disappointment at the ever-growing criticism of Mashrafe, according to a UNB report.
"Mashrafe didn't bowl well in the previous game. It's true and any player can go through bad patches. In this modern age of cricket, batsmen can hit boundaries off a good delivery as well," Mahmud told the media.
Bangladesh are now preparing for their next game against West Indies which will take place at Taunton on June 17 at 3:30pm (BdST). Tigers have already played four matches. They lost two of them and won one while the other one against Sri Lanka washed out due to rain.
