‘No one has more emotion attached to the team than us’

It seems the reactions from Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan and in the press and on social media after Bangladesh's defeat to Scotland in the opening game of the ICC T20 World Cup had a negative impact on the Bangladesh team.

Despite qualifying for the Super 12 following an 84-run win over Papua New Guinea yesterday, skipper Mahmudullah Riyad's body language at the post-match press conference was that of someone holding more than just a little grudge.

There was no smile on Mahmudullah's face when he walked in for the press conference and his reaction to each question suggested the entire team was unhappy about the criticism of the past few days.

When he was eventually asked about his stoic expression and emotionless answers, the T20I captain replied: "I think it's natural to be strict. We are also humans and we make mistakes but that does not make it right to portray us as so small. Bangladesh is also our country. We are all in this together. Whenever we play, we play together with the entire country and we always keep that in mind. I think no one else can have more emotion or feeling attached to the team than us. There will be criticism when we play badly, but that doesn't mean you have the right to put us down. It hurts all of us."

The 35-year-old -- who scored the fastest fifty of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup in yesterday's game off just 27 balls as Bangladesh posted 181 for 7, their highest total at the flagship T20 event – said that questions being raised about the low strike rate of the three senior batsmen in the game against Scotland had hurt the sentiments of the players.

When asked whether it was a particular reaction from the media, the board or the fans that had hurt them, Mahmudullah replied: "Everything… Obviously, everything touches us. After all, we all are human and we also have feelings. We have families. Our parents and kids also sit in front of the TV and they also feel bad. Social media is in everyone's palms these days. There will be criticism and we expect that."

There were a lot of questions been raised about the strike rate of the three seniors and a lot of other things. We tried our best and that is all we can do. Maybe the result did not go our way so there will be criticism, but it has to be healthy so that it is good for everyone.

"When we wear the Bangladesh jersey, we also get that feeling. We play with pain, some play despite injuries and even after taking pain-killers right before taking the field. Many don't know the inside story so I don't think it is right to raise questions about commitment," he said.

Mahmudullah believes all members of the team deserve credit for believing in themselves during the tough time. He also praised Shakib Al Hasan for his consistent all-round performances and the likes of Mohammad Saifuddin and Mahedi Hasan for putting their hands up on the big stage.