'surprise' Bilal Respects Mca's Move, Hopes Issue To Resolve Amicably With Players

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- Former national men’s cricket coach Bilal Asad respects the decision made by the Malaysia Cricket Association (MCA) to not extend his service to helm the team, although it would have been a bitter pill to swallow for Bilal or any other coach in his shoes.

Bilal admitted that he was taken aback by MCA’s move as he was told by the association that they did not intend to extend his service on the very last day of his contract which ended on Nov 30 (Thursday).

However, the former Pakistan international called on the national governing body to resolve the issue amicably with the players since they were reported to be unhappy with such a move, leading to a boycott of the national selection match, also on Thursday.

“As the coming three months are very crucial for Malaysia’s future in 50-overs format (International Cricket Council Challenges League Qualifiers), I request the players and the association to resolve the ongoing fued amicably.

“The Malaysian Cricket Association worked really hard to be at this position. Sometimes, in life, we need to accept the circumstances and move on otherwise all the efforts (the national players, support staff and MCA management) will go in vain,” he said in a statement today.

ICC Challenges League Qualifiers will be held in Malaysia, next February.

 With an overall 84 per cent win ratio of T20 and 50-overs at home, and 60 per cent of the recent 50-overs matches from the end of 2022, Bilal is optimistic that his former charges would have a bright chance of winning the event and qualify for the upcoming ICC Challenge League 2024.

“Malaysian Cricket, stick as a team and rise above. You will reach the pinnacle of success as you so deserve,” he said.

In the meantime, Bilal said he was proud to have coached most of the current crop of national cricketeers from the young age in the past eight years.

Realising that the change is inevitable, he took the opportunity to thank everyone involved for being a part of this amazing journey and cherish every moment spent with all players, fellow colleagues, and MCA management.

During his tenure, Bilal led his team and players to several records including winning 13 consecutive T20 International matches last year as well as watching national team vice-captain Virandeep Singh become the fastest ICC Associate player to score 2000 T20 International runs.

All credit to Bilal for accepting the decision by MCA and wishing Malaysian cricket well, despite the lack of a professional approach in handling his case. 

-- BERNAMA