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Ashraful says sorry

Sports Reporter
Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful sought an unconditional apology yesterday to the countrymen because of his infuriated reaction against a supporter during practice at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Sunday.
"You know an incident took place here yesterday. It was not intentional rather I did it in the heat of the moment that I shouldn’t have. I seek apology to everybody. I am sorry," said the young skipper before the start of the official press conference for the first one-day against Ireland in Mirpur.
"We all love cricket in this country and want improvement of the game and that’s why I hope everybody will forgive the incident," the emotion-ridden Tigers skipper, who got involved in a scuffle after two men abused him, told reporters.
The 24-year ace batsman, who became target of the fans following his poor showing with the bat in the just concluded home series against South Africa, also said that it was the first time in his career that he was involved in such an altercation.
”1 can't remember when 1 have done something like that previously,” he said.
Ashraful also assured that the incident will not dent his side's confidence in the series where they have to win to get back their selfbelief after losing both Test and one-day series against South Africa badly.
"I don't think it would be an issue rather we are focused on our job. We are looking forward to the series. I must say there is no pressure on us. We want to play good, positive cricket against Ireland," he said.
Like his coach Jamie Siddons, Bangladesh captain was also not ready to think about the favourites tag but warned his boys not to take Ireland lightly.
"We are not thinking about the series. We are focusing on tomorrow's match. We want to take it match-by-match," he added.
Ashraful also said that they have a plan against Ireland which he didn’t want to disclose to the press.
"We are aware that nobody will care if we win the series. But to us it's an international match and every win will count as an international win. I hope we can play
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According to the plan." he said.
After World Cup we went through a very bad time and didn't win any one-day games. So it's an opportunity for us to taste it here," said Ashraful.
The Bangladesh captain also believed that the condition in Mirpur would have extra advantage for them.
"The spinners will definitely play a vital role on this surface and it is an added advantage for us. But we must put good runs on the board and I am confident that the batsmen will bounce back in the series. And the good news is that Aftab (Ahmed) returned to the team after recovering from injury," he said.