Can see why the usually impatient BCB tried their best to still hope for Tamim to come back, he's still one of the best domestic batsmen in the BPL. Feel like the time is right though as he has declined from where he once was.
Mahmudullah was a goner the moment he relinquished the captaincy. I found him far better than the rest-quite an understated player.
Indeed, post CWC2023, I'd expect Bangladesh to be in transition. The impending departure of these guys would leave a huge void. Perhaps, they find someone more capable then-Mehidy ,Akbar(the U19 Captain)
Mahmudullah has always been seen as something of a lesser Shakib in some parts which feels unfair to the bloke. He's also been forced into several roles throughout his career for the sake of team balance. Never quite managed to nail down a role and I feel like his potential was never fulfilled. Feel like he was also not developed for captaincy properly despite having several natural traits for leadership that would have been useful to this current side. He'll still retire as their fourth best ODI batter in history which is not something to scoff at I suppose.
As for the inevitable transition despite the BCB's best efforts I do feel like Bangladesh aren't in a bad spot. Hasan Joy has some technical deficiencies but has equally got the talent and maturity to blossom. Shanto has been given a long enough rope to hang himself or climb back up which usually is not the case in Bangladeshi cricket. The last time I remember players getting such backing was when the current stars had just come in. They're also finally selecting Yasir Ali just when he's about to hit his prime in terms of cricket years. Anamul Haque also seems to be back (although he hasn't really brought his domestic form with him). Guys like Shahadat and Hridoy are also waiting in the wings.
It is important to remember that the impact of Covid on Bangladeshi cricket in terms of developmental activities was bad and it will take time for them to bounce back from it despite their current potential of players. They've also arguably lost half a generation of cricketers like Sarkar, Mithun, Anamul who should have been the current stars alongside Nurul and Das with the legends providing mainly experience and stability. Instead they've been put in the position to fast-track the players showing potential like with the 2006 batch due to a lack of strong alternatives. I believe it is for the better though and it would pay off a lot more in the forthcoming years than to go back to the lost generation or the domestic stalwarts like South Africa currently are doing. Especially if the legends stick around for a year or two. I do wish that the Bangladeshi backroom staff all get together with the board, outline a clear plan as to who they think will be worth investing in and back those players
hard. Whilst it is not as bad as it once was, the scatter-gun approach still remains in bits and pieces which is detrimental.
As for replacements, I think Rahim already has one in Liton Das. The latter was already a much better gloveman when he broke into the side and it looks like he might actually reach the heights of the former with the bat too. Nurul Hasan is arguably one of the best in the world with the gloves and has been providing useful cameos with the bat. Shahriar looks like the first Bangladeshi opener who can bat like a T20 opener should. Whilst he may not be completely successful he'll pave the way for future starlets. Bangladesh's pacers in red ball cricket have actually been consistently impressive too in terms of what coaching can provide with accuracy and relentlessness. It is poor fielding along with lack of natural skill and experience that is haunting them. Sort that out and I can see them posing challenges in SENA countries in the future. Shoriful Islam already looks like a potential star in the making too and already has become an important part of the Bangladeshi pace attack across formats.
www.espncricinfo.com
