Minhajul Abedin Nannu. Photo: Collected

DHAKA, April 12, 2026 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Director 
Minhajul Abedin Nannu has urged the team to approach the upcoming New Zealand 
series with full focus, stressing that no opposition can be taken lightly at 
this stage of the qualification cycle.

Bangladesh must finish inside the top eight of the ICC ODI rankings to remain 
in contention for direct qualification to the next ICC Men's Cricket World 
Cup, making the upcoming home series against the New Zealand a crucial 
assignment for the hosts.

With the qualification race tightening, the Bangladesh national cricket team 
are under increasing pressure to secure valuable ranking points in their 
remaining fixtures.

The three-match ODI series against New Zealand begins on April 17.
Speaking to reporters today, Minhajul said every point is now critical for 
securing direct World Cup qualification and warned against complacency 
despite New Zealand arriving without several first-choice players due to IPL 
commitments and injuries.

He acknowledged New Zealand's depth and adaptability, stating that the 
visitors remain a strong side capable of competing in any conditions.

"Every point is very valuable for us now to play directly in the World Cup. 
New Zealand are a good enough team. Even though we are playing at home, if we 
take this series lightly, we can be in danger again," he said.
 
He further added that consistency and execution would be key for Bangladesh 
in the upcoming matches.

Addressing concerns over the team's batting form, particularly the opening 
and middle-order instability, Minhajul defended the management's approach of 
backing players for an extended run. 

He stressed that judging international cricketers requires patience, 
suggesting that players should be given at least five to six innings before 
being fairly assessed.

"To judge a player in international cricket, you have to give him at least 
five or six innings. If you suddenly drop someone after two or three innings, 
it is not possible to get the expected results," he said.

Bangladesh are expected to rely on home conditions but face scrutiny over 
recent inconsistency as they prepare for a high-stakes series that could 
influence their World Cup qualification prospects.