'Nothing to prove, not here to answer critics'- Bangladesh keeper's roaring statement ahead of Asia Cup 2025

Before the departure of the Bangladesh cricket team for the Asia Cup 2025, their star keeper-batter Jaker Ali Anik looked optimistic about the team's possible performance and preparations. He did not show any intention to entertain comments from critics. Some of the cricket experts believe that the Tiger brigade does not have the strength to overcome the challenges in the group stage. 

Bangladesh is in Group B of the Asia Cup 2025 with Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. In the airport, during the interactions with the media, Jaker clearly said that they have nothing to prove and nothing to reply to the experts who showed doubts over the Bangladesh cricket team.

"The environment in the dressing room has always been good. Our preparation has gone really well, fitness sessions to the Netherlands series, everything has been on track. We’re hopeful of a good result in the Asia Cup... There’s nothing to prove to anyone. We’re not here to give answers to critics. We’ll just play our cricket and give our best," Jaker said. 

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The Asia Cup will start on September 9, while Bangladesh is scheduled to start their campaign on September 11. Their first match will be against Hong Kong, and then they have to face Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in their next fixtures. 

Bangladesh Asia Cup 2025 Fixtures (Group B):

September 11 – Bangladesh vs. Hong Kong, Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

September 13 – Bangladesh vs. Sri Lanka, Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

September 16 – Bangladesh vs Afghanistan, Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Bangladesh Asia Cup 2025 Squad:

Litton Das (C, WK), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mohammad Saifuddin