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Angry fans greet Ashraful

Image: Ashraful: Captaincy under threat

Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful was greeted by fans telling him to quit when he returned home from England.

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Bangladesh captain urged to quit on return home

Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful was met by angry fans when he returned home after his side's premature exit from the ICC World Twenty20. Ashraful flew back from England late on Saturday after his side were defeated by both India and Ireland in the first group stage. About a dozen angry supporters carrying placards gathered at Dhaka airport to greet the 24-year-old with chants of "resign, resign". The skipper apologised for his team's poor performance. "We really played badly against Ireland. On behalf of my team, I am sorry to the nation," Ashraful said. "I can understand that the fans are very much disappointed and angry after our defeat to Ireland. Even my family is upset with our performance. I apologise for the poor show." Despite the pressure on him to quit, Ashraful will not be stepping-down as captain, preferring to leave the decision to the Bangladesh Cricket Board. He added: "The board has given me this job and it's up to them whether they will let me continue or not. But I want to continue as captain as I am enjoying the role and trying my best." The team's coach, Australian Jamie Siddons, criticised his players for refusing to take his advice and their "ridiculous" batting during the tournament.

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