The Asia Cup is just a day away from making the much-awaited comeback after a four-year interval -- the longest since the 2008 edition -- with some of the world’s top teams prepared to lock horns in the United Arab Emirates, where its maiden edition commenced in 1983.

Rashid Khan was named ICC’s T20I Player of the decade in 2020 and it is a testament to how he has carried forward the art of leg-spin in the modern era.

The Daily Star (DS): You were part of Bangladesh’s maiden Asia Cup campaign in 1986. Can you share your experience?

Bangladesh appear to be the fifth-best among the top five teams heading into the Asia Cup tournament.

“They won everything except the Cup! Beware world, Bangladesh is the new terror!” The great Brian Lara had thusly cautioned the world through Facebook after Bangladesh’s agonising two-run defeat against Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup final.

A match between traditional rivals India and Pakistan always evokes raw emotion, adrenaline and pride.