Arrival of Steve Rhodes: A new era starts for Bangladesh Cricket

 

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially named Steve Rhodes, the former English wicketkeeper and an influential figure in English county cricket, as the head coach of the Tigers. Rhodes will lead the national team through the 2020 ICC World Twenty20. His appointment comes at a time when Bangladesh cricket is seeking stability after the departure of Chandika Hathurusingha, whose tenure left a void both technically and emotionally. Rhodes, with his reputation for fostering young talent and emphasizing discipline, offers a fresh direction.

But who exactly is Steve Rhodes? And how prepared is Bangladesh to embrace his coaching philosophy?

Rhodes as a Cricketer: A Man of County and Experience

Steve Rhodes' playing career may not have soared to international stardom, but his contributions were solid. After a decent international stint, including matches against New Zealand and South Africa in 1994, Rhodes' fortunes nosedived following a forgettable tour of Australia in 1994-95. Yet, within the framework of county cricket, he thrived—building a distinguished career with Worcestershire.

Born into a cricketing family as the son of Nottinghamshire wicketkeeper Billy Rhodes, Steve's journey began with Yorkshire. However, it was at Worcestershire, where he truly found his footing, becoming both a mainstay and later a transformative figure at New Road. His work ethic and tactical insights became highly respected in county cricket, despite his subdued international presence.

 Mentor, Manager, and Visionary at Worcestershire

Rhodes transitioned from player to mentor seamlessly, becoming Worcestershire’s head coach in 2005. His approach was marked by a clear strategy: prioritize the development of homegrown talent over-dependence on overseas stars. Under his leadership, the club experienced highs and lows, navigating both promotions and relegations. The hallmark of his tenure was his ability to nurture promising players, bringing the likes of Joe Clarke, Daryl Mitchell, Ben Cox, and Josh Tongue into the spotlight.

The club’s success in winning the County Championship Division Two title in 2017 was a testament to Rhodes’ vision. Speaking about his philosophy in an interview with the *Worcestershire Observer*, Rhodes emphasized: "The only way we can compete with wealthier clubs is by developing and growing our best young talent."

His belief in young English talent was not only refreshing but also influential. Several other countries began adopting a similar model of sustainable cricket development. Rob George, a Worcestershire cricket journalist, lauded Rhodes' legacy, saying: 

"His faith in youth and his straightforward, no-nonsense style will leave a lasting imprint on Worcestershire and English cricket."*

The New Challenge: Bangladesh Cricket and Rhodes' Vision

Rhodes is not entirely unfamiliar with Bangladeshi cricket. His stint with Worcestershire brought him into contact with Shakib Al Hasan in 2010, and he observed Bangladesh’s players closely during England’s tour of Bangladesh in 2016. His relationship with players like Shakib, combined with his experiences working alongside England's top cricketers, gives Rhodes valuable insight into the challenges of coaching in the subcontinent.

"I learned a lot through observing how to adapt to conditions here, but it’s about scoring runs—that's always the key," Rhodes remarked after the 2016 tour.

However, adapting to the cultural intricacies of Bangladeshi cricket will be a different challenge. Ian Pont, a colleague and respected coach, commented on Rhodes' appointment:  "Steve is a meticulous planner and commands respect. But in Bangladesh, where cricket is both a passion and an obsession, he'll need to start delivering results quickly."

The intensity of fan expectations and the fickle nature of sports journalism in Bangladesh are obstacles that Rhodes will need to navigate deftly. Unlike in England, where time is often afforded to build a system, coaches in the subcontinent face immediate pressure to succeed.

A Coach with Principles: Discipline and Freedom

Rhodes is known for his no-nonsense attitude. His former colleagues describe him as *“blunt, straightforward, and occasionally dour”*—qualities reminiscent of Chandika Hathurusingha’s approach. But Rhodes' coaching style emphasizes not just discipline but also trust. He empowers players while maintaining tight control over the team environment, ensuring there is no room for distractions or interference from external parties.

This strict approach, however, may pose challenges in Bangladesh, where team dynamics can be influenced by internal politics and media narratives. The BCB must ensure Rhodes is given the autonomy he needs to succeed, shielding him from undue interference.

The Legacy of Hathurusingha and the Road Ahead 

The legacy of Hathurusingha still looms large over Bangladesh cricket. During his tenure, the Tigers achieved remarkable success, adopting a fearless style of play that saw them defeat some of the world's top teams. But Hathurusingha's departure exposed the internal fractures within the team and the cricket board. Journalists with close ties to certain senior players undermined his authority, creating a toxic atmosphere that ultimately forced him to leave.

Steve Rhodes' appointment signals a fresh start—but it also comes with high expectations. He inherits a team that has shown glimpses of brilliance but lacks the consistency to compete with top-tier sides regularly. The BCB, fans, and media all have a role to play in ensuring Rhodes' success. The coach must be given the freedom to implement his vision, without interference from outside influences.

A Call to Patience and Support

Bangladesh cricket stands at a crossroads. The fans' passion is both a strength and a weakness—it drives the team forward but can also lead to unrealistic expectations. As Rhodes embarks on this new chapter, the cricketing fraternity must learn from past mistakes.

The BCB should focus on creating an environment conducive to long-term success, providing Rhodes the space to build a team rooted in discipline, hard work, and youthful energy. Fans, too, must resist falling prey to sensationalist journalism that seeks to create unnecessary drama.

As Rhodes settles into his role, the key will be patience. Success in cricket is not instantaneous—it is built over time, with persistence and planning. If given the support he needs, Steve Rhodes has the potential to transform Bangladesh into a formidable force, both in the upcoming World Twenty20 and beyond.

The appointment of Steve Rhodes is not merely a managerial change—it is a statement of intent by the BCB. In Rhodes, the Tigers have a coach who embodies the values of discipline, honesty, and youth development. If the team, the board, and the fans can rally behind him, Bangladesh cricket could very well be on the brink of a new era.

The journey begins now. And like all great journeys, it will demand perseverance, patience, and unwavering belief.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Garrincha’s Three Minutes of Genius: How Brazil Dismantled the Soviet Union’s "Scientific Football"

 

The 1958 World Cup, hosted in Sweden, saw Group 4 hailed as one of the most fiercely contested pools. Brazil found themselves pitted against formidable opponents: the Soviet Union—reigning Olympic champions, Austria—bronze medalists of the 1954 World Cup, and England, who, despite being weakened by the tragedy of the Munich air disaster, remained a powerhouse. Yet, it wasn’t just the opposition that posed a challenge for Brazil; it was a moment of existential reckoning for a footballing nation still searching for its identity on the world stage.

Brazil began their campaign with a statement, demolishing Austria 3-0, but the momentum faltered in the second game. A cautious 0-0 draw against England became a historical footnote—the first scoreless match in World Cup history. The stalemate meant that their final group game against the Soviet Union would decide Brazil’s fate. Win, and they would advance directly to the quarterfinals. Lose, and they risked facing a perilous playoff. A draw would suffice for Brazil, but as history would soon demonstrate, their ambitions stretched far beyond mere survival.

The Tactical Gamble: Feola’s Vision  

Brazil’s coach, Vicente Feola, knew the Soviet Union’s playing style was unlike anything his team had faced. Their football, disciplined and physically demanding, mirrored the technological precision of the "Sputnik era." The Soviet players, it was said, could run relentlessly for 180 minutes, unfazed by exhaustion. To disrupt this machine-like rhythm, Feola needed to inject a different kind of energy—unpredictable, imaginative, and joyous. 

He made a bold decision: he introduced two untested players, Garrincha and Pelé, both of whom had spent the tournament so far on the bench. It was an audacious move, for unleashing raw talent is always a gamble. Would these players thrive under pressure, or would the occasion overwhelm them? Feola’s instructions to his players were simple but prophetic. To Didi, the maestro of the midfield, he gave a quiet command: “The first ball goes to Garrincha.”

What followed in the opening minutes would become the stuff of legend.

A Ballet of Madness: Garrincha’s Bewitching Performance  

The Soviet Union kicked off, but Brazil quickly won possession, and Didi fulfilled his promise. He pushed the ball out to the right, where Garrincha waited, crouching like a coiled spring. The clock ticked. It took only seconds for him to show the world that the laws of physics held no dominion over his movement. 

Garrincha faced his first victim: Kuznetsov, a defender renowned for his physical prowess. With a flick of his instep, Garrincha feinted left, only to glide right, leaving the Russian sprawling helplessly on the ground. The stadium gasped, but Garrincha wasn’t finished. With childlike mischief, he toyed with Kuznetsov, dribbling past him again and again, as if the defender’s bewilderment was a puzzle to solve for pure amusement. In just 30 seconds, Garrincha had reduced one of Europe’s best defenders to a spectator, tumbling across the pitch like a leaf in the wind.

The next assault was no less mesmerizing. Three Soviet defenders—Voinov, Krijveski, and Kuznetsov—closed in on him. But Garrincha danced around them, each twist and turn executed with an artistry that defied logic. At one point, Voinov found himself on the ground, awkwardly sprawled with his backside in the air, a moment of farce that sent ripples of laughter through the crowd. Garrincha’s shot from an impossible angle clattered off the post, but by then, it was clear: the Soviet Union’s “scientific football” had collapsed in the face of something irrepressible, something no system could prepare for—pure, unbridled joy.

The Game within the Game  

The match continued, but those opening moments had already broken the Soviet spirit. Nelson Rodrigues, the great Brazilian author, would later write that Garrincha’s first three minutes decided the game: “The disintegration of the Russian defence began exactly the first time Garrincha touched the ball. How do you mark the unmarkable? How do you grasp the impalpable?”

What made Garrincha’s performance so captivating was not merely his dribbling skill but the sense of freedom that infused his play. He didn’t just beat defenders; he seemed to mock the very idea of structure. His crooked legs, his cock-eyed gaze, and his ungainly gait were antithetical to everything the Soviet game represented. And yet, those imperfections were the source of his magic. As if in defiance of logic, Garrincha moved with a rhythm that no defender could predict and no strategist could counter.

At one point, after dribbling past another hapless defender, he paused, placed his foot on the ball, and offered his fallen opponent a hand to stand up—only to resume his dazzling run the moment the player regained his footing. It was as if Garrincha was saying: This is just a game. Let’s play.

Meanwhile, the Soviets, bewildered and battered, began to argue among themselves, still clinging to the belief that their problem lay in defensive marking. But how do you mark a man who doesn’t even seem to play by the same rules? In desperation, they resorted to fouling him, but even that proved futile. Garrincha would simply pop back up, grinning, and continue as if nothing had happened.

A New Era of Brazilian Football  

Three minutes into the match, Vavá, seizing on Garrincha’s chaos, scored the opening goal. The Soviet defence lay in ruins, their famed discipline shredded by a barefoot genius from Pau Grande. The second goal followed soon after, but by then, it was academic. Brazil won the match 2-0, but it wasn’t the scoreline that mattered—it was the manner of their victory. 

This wasn’t just a win; it was a revolution. Brazilian football, long trapped between European imitation and local tradition, had found its true expression: *jogo bonito*—the beautiful game. And at its heart was Garrincha, a player who embodied the spirit of play in its purest form, unconcerned with tactics, unfazed by structure. 

A Defining Moment in Football History  

The 1958 World Cup was a turning point not only for Brazil but for football as a whole. With that match, the world was introduced to a new kind of football—a game that celebrated artistry over efficiency, creativity over calculation. Garrincha’s three minutes weren’t just an assault on the Soviet Union’s defence; they were a rejection of everything their “scientific” approach represented. 

As journalist Gabrile Honnot famously declared, those three minutes were “the greatest in the history of world football.” And Nelson Rodrigues captured the essence of Garrincha’s impact with poetic flair: “In that moment, Russia, with all its science, Siberia, and everything else, fell to a boy with bandy legs and the soul of a dancer.”

From that day forward, Brazil’s football philosophy was transformed. They would go on to win their first World Cup in 1958, and Garrincha, along with the young Pelé, would become the architects of a new global football culture. But it all began with those three minutes—an eternity wrapped in a heartbeat when the world stood still to watch a bowlegged magician write the first chapter of Brazil’s footballing greatness. 

  

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

The Battle of Santiago: Football’s Darkest Hour

Few matches in the history of football have captured the intersection of sport, culture, and chaos as vividly as the infamous clash between Italy and Chile during the 1962 FIFA World Cup. Set against the backdrop of a nation recovering from catastrophe and fueled by inflammatory journalism, this Group B encounter in Santiago became less a football match and more a microcosm of national pride, prejudice, and the limits of sportsmanship.

A Pre-Match Powder Keg

The seeds of discord were sown long before the first whistle. Chile, still reeling from the devastation of the 1960 Valdivia earthquake—the most powerful ever recorded—had undertaken the Herculean task of hosting the World Cup. Their efforts were met with scorn from abroad. Italian journalists Antonio Ghirelli and Corrado Pizzinelli painted Santiago as a grim caricature of underdevelopment, describing it as a "backwater dump" plagued by poverty, illiteracy, and moral decay. The venom extended to the Chilean people, whom they derided as “proudly miserable.”

Chilean newspapers retaliated with equally scathing stereotypes, branding Italians as fascists, mafiosos, and drug addicts. The inflammatory rhetoric created a tinderbox of animosity, and when the Italian journalists fled the country under threat, the stage was set for a confrontation that would transcend football.

A Match Descending into Madness

From the outset, the match was less a contest of skill and more a theatre of violence. Within 35 seconds, the first foul was committed—a harbinger of the chaos to come. In the eighth minute, Italy’s Giorgio Ferrini was sent off for a reckless challenge on Honorino Landa. Ferrini’s refusal to leave the pitch, necessitating police intervention, set the tone for a match where the referee, England’s Ken Aston, struggled to maintain order.

What followed was a spectacle of unchecked aggression. Chile’s Leonel Sánchez, the son of a professional boxer, broke Humberto Maschio’s nose with a left hook, an act that went unpunished as Aston was preoccupied with Ferrini. Minutes later, Sánchez slapped Italian defender Mario David, who retaliated with a high kick to Sánchez’s head and was promptly sent off.

The violence escalated with spitting, scuffles, and three further police interventions. By the end, Chile emerged 2–0 victors, courtesy of goals from Jaime Ramírez and Jorge Toro in the final 16 minutes. Yet the scoreline was almost incidental to the mayhem that had unfolded.

A Referee Overwhelmed

Ken Aston’s role in the match became a focal point for criticism. Tasked with officiating amid relentless hostility, he struggled to impose authority. His leniency toward Sánchez’s transgressions and his inability to quell the escalating violence marked the end of his World Cup refereeing career. Aston would later contribute to the development of the yellow and red card system—a legacy born from the chaos of Santiago.

A Global Outcry

The match drew widespread condemnation. British commentator David Coleman introduced highlights on the BBC with scathing words: “The most stupid, appalling, disgusting, and disgraceful exhibition of football, possibly in the history of the game.” Stones were thrown at Italian players during training, and the match became a symbol of the World Cup’s darker side.

Even Cris Freddi, in The Complete Book of the World Cup, described it as “a horror show,” the last in a trilogy of violent World Cup encounters. The violence in Santiago was emblematic of a tournament marred by rough tackling and cynical play, with the Daily Express ominously likening match reports to “battlefront dispatches.”

The Cultural and Historical Context

The animosity between Italy and Chile was not merely a product of football rivalry but a clash of cultural identities exacerbated by historical wounds. For Chile, hosting the World Cup was a defiant act of resilience in the face of the Valdivia earthquake’s devastation. The Italian journalists’ dismissive portrayal of the nation struck at the heart of Chilean pride, transforming a football match into a proxy war for national honor.

Italy, on the other hand, entered the match burdened by its own stereotypes. The accusations of fascism and mafia ties reflected lingering post-war prejudices, while the doping scandal involving Inter Milan players added a contemporary stain to their reputation.

Legacy and Lessons

The Battle of Santiago remains a cautionary tale in the annals of football. It exposed the fragility of the sport’s moral fabric when inflamed by external tensions and underscored the need for stronger officiating standards. The introduction of yellow and red cards, inspired in part by Ken Aston’s experiences, became a vital reform to prevent similar incidents.

When Italy and Chile met again at the 1966 World Cup, the match was less violent but still tinged with unsportsmanlike behaviour—a reminder of the scars left by their infamous first encounter.

In the end, the Battle of Santiago was more than just a football match. It was a collision of pride and prejudice, a theatre of human frailty played out on the world’s stage, and a sombre reminder of the thin line between competition and chaos.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

The Unending Coach Hunt: A reflection on Bangladesh Cricket’s systemic flaws

When Gary Kirsten, former South African cricketer and accomplished coach, landed in Dhaka, hopes soared within the cricketing circles of Bangladesh. There was a sense that Kirsten’s presence would herald a shift in the Tigers’ fortunes—perhaps in the form of a new head coach or a rejuvenated approach. However, his role remained ambiguous from the outset: was he a consultant, a director of coaching, or an independent strategist? As the days passed, it became clear that Kirsten was merely serving as an auditor for the senior team—a concept alien to many cricket boards, especially in Bangladesh, where such nuance is often lost amid heightened expectations.

The idea that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) required external consultancy just to recruit a coach speaks volumes about the administrative disarray within the system. The paradox here is glaring: a cricket board that has achieved notable success on the international stage still finds itself dependent on outsiders for tasks that should fall well within the remit of its own governance. Whether the reluctance to rely on homegrown talent stems from corruption, mismanagement, or an inability to foster professional collaboration, the result is a persistent inability to create a self-sustaining cricketing ecosystem.

Among the few notable recommendations Kirsten made was the idea of assigning separate coaches for different formats. On paper, the suggestion aligns with best practices in cricketing powerhouses such as Australia, England, and India. Yet, Bangladesh’s reality complicates such strategies. With a limited pool of quality players and an underdeveloped infrastructure, the logistics of managing three distinct coaching setups seem implausible. Furthermore, if Bangladesh struggles to manage one high-profile coach, how can it reasonably expect to handle multiple, each with their own demands and expectations? The professional environment necessary to implement such a vision simply does not exist.

The recent history of Bangladesh’s coaching appointments offers a sobering lesson. The departure of Chandika Hathurusingha, who orchestrated one of the team’s most impressive periods of growth, serves as a case study in the challenges of managing foreign expertise. Despite being the architect behind Bangladesh’s resurgence, Hathurusingha was relentlessly criticized, often unfairly, by sections of the media and fans. This wave of hostility—fueled by unfounded rumors and amplified across social media—eventually drove him away. Some speculate, albeit without concrete evidence, that even players within the national setup might have tacitly supported the smear campaign against him.

The saga reflects a deeper malaise: Bangladesh’s cricketing ecosystem seems to foster internal discord rather than unity. In stark contrast, smaller cricketing nations like Zimbabwe have managed to appoint experienced professionals such as Lalchand Rajput with relatively little friction. Yet, despite Bangladesh’s far superior resources and recent successes, the search for a head coach continues to flounder. Various reasons have been cited for this failure, from the financial allure of franchise leagues to difficulties in contract negotiations. However, one fundamental issue remains conspicuously overlooked: Bangladesh’s cricketing environment has become toxic, driving away the very professionals it seeks to attract.

At the heart of this toxicity is the undue influence of sections of the media. In Bangladesh, sports journalists often gain unchecked access to players and officials, blurring the lines between professional boundaries and personal relationships. This creates an unhealthy environment where stories—true or not—are spun into narratives that undermine team morale and disrupt coaching efforts. The intrusion of media into the sanctum of the dressing room is not only unprofessional but also detrimental to the team’s cohesion. Such behavior is tolerated, if not encouraged, by those within the cricket board itself, resulting in a system where rumor and propaganda flourish at the expense of stability.

No professional coach, however experienced or capable, would willingly work in such an atmosphere. The seeds of discord, sown by media figures with vested interests, continue to bear bitter fruit. If the BCB genuinely aspires to recruit a competent head coach, it must first address the structural and cultural flaws within its own organization. Governance reforms are imperative—not just to reduce media interference but to foster an environment where cricket can thrive without unnecessary distractions.

Until Bangladesh cricket confronts its internal demons, the search for a head coach will remain a futile endeavor. It is time for the BCB to clear the cobwebs from its own house. Only by eliminating toxic influences and cultivating professionalism can the Tigers hope to attract the leadership they need to realize their potential.

Thank You
Faisal Caesar 

The Unpredictable Majesty of Pakistan Cricket: A Triumph at Lord’s

The historic Lord’s Cricket Ground, bathed in golden sunshine on Day 4, bore witness to a cricketing spectacle that will linger in memory. England’s hopes, delicately poised on the shoulders of Jos Buttler and the precocious Dominic Bess, were rekindled by their defiant partnership on Day 3. Whispers of a revival akin to the legendary Leeds 1981 floated in the air, but those dreams dissolved like dew in the chill of a Dhaka winter morning. 

Pakistan, with their trademark flair and unpredictability, delivered a performance of sheer dominance that shattered England’s aspirations. The venue—Lord’s, the Mecca of cricket—lent a poetic gravitas to their triumph, a stage befitting the artistry and volatility that define Pakistani cricket. 

The Fall of English Resistance 

The script for Day 4 was written by Pakistan’s bowlers, led by the mercurial Mohammad Abbas and the resurgent Mohammad Amir. In the second over, Abbas, evoking memories of Mohammad Asif’s precision, angled a full delivery into Buttler. The ball thudded into the pads, and the umpire’s finger went up. Buttler’s review proved futile, and with his dismissal, England’s slender hopes began to unravel.  

Amir followed suit, finding just enough movement off the seam to elicit an edge from Mark Wood. The sound of leather brushing willow was music to the ears of the jubilant Pakistani fielders, who rushed to their bowlers like a pack of wolves celebrating their prey. Abbas returned to remove Stuart Broad with another of his deceptively simple yet lethal deliveries, and Amir’s full-length ball outclassed Bess to bring the curtain down on England’s innings. 

The atmosphere was electric, the Pakistani players exuding a sense of purpose and unity rarely seen in a team so often described as mercurial. The sizeable crowd at Lord’s, many of whom had come to savor the timeless beauty of Test cricket, were treated to a display that reaffirmed the format’s enduring allure. 

A Sweet Victory 

When Haris Sohail clipped the winning runs to the leg side, the triumph was complete. It wasn’t just a victory; it was a statement. A young, inexperienced Pakistani team had outclassed a formidable English side in their own backyard. At Lord’s, no less. 

For Pakistan cricket followers, the sweetness of this victory was unparalleled. It silenced doubters who often forget that this team operates on a different plane of unpredictability. Pakistan is not merely a cricket team; it is a phenomenon, a volatile cocktail of talent and temperament that defies logic and expectation. 

The Essence of Pakistan Cricket 

Renowned cricket writer Simon Barnes once wrote, “The Pakistan side always has that element of danger. It doesn’t matter who is in the team, it always seems that the normal mechanism of control doesn’t exist. No Pakistan side ever acts as you expect. This makes them the most thrillingly watchable side in world cricket.”

Barnes’ words encapsulate the enigma of Pakistan cricket. On one day, they can dismantle a world-class opponent with a brilliance that borders on the divine. On another, they might implode spectacularly, undone by their own volatility. At Lord’s, they were the Cornered Tigers, tearing England apart with sumptuous talent and relentless intensity. 

This unpredictability, often criticized, is also what makes Pakistan cricket irresistibly captivating. They operate without a safety net, delivering moments of genius and chaos in equal measure. And yet, in an era when they play in exile when the world views them through the lens of political instability and isolation, Pakistan continues to defy the odds. 

A Triumph Beyond Cricket 

Pakistan’s victory at Lord’s transcended the boundaries of sport. It was a reminder of their resilience, and their undying passion for cricket despite the adversities they face. The spectre of terrorism, the stigma of being labelled a “failed nation,” and the absence of international cricket on home soil have not dimmed their spirit. 

At Lord’s, Pakistan didn’t just win a Test match; they reclaimed their narrative. They showed the world that their isolation has not diminished their capacity for greatness. They reminded us why, despite everything, Pakistan remains the most watchable and unpredictable team in cricket. 

As they move to Leeds, the question lingers: will they implode or soar? With Pakistan, the answer is always uncertain. And that, perhaps, is their greatest charm.  

Thank You
Faisal Caesar