Bangladesh cricket's poor summer a big learning curve

Off the field, the picture of Bangladesh cricket is very lugubrious while on the field there is hardly any cricket. Sports journalists in Bangladesh are irked because of continuous reporting about the off-field sagas. They wish to write reports about the on-field actions.

There was an opportunity for the Tigers to brush away this dull situation of Bangladesh cricket with a spirit-lifting performance. The Bangladesh Under-19, Under-23 and A teams were touring England and Singapore respectively and it was expected that each would dole out a fair show, but sadly it was not to be. The pens of our sports journalists couldn't break the monotony of essaying dull reports.

The summer in England and Singapore had turned out to be an absolute disaster as the Bangladeshis hardly could relish any triumphs. Much was expected from the A team of whom 13 from the 15-man squad had international experience. Rather than demonstrating any sort of fight, let alone victories, they lost seven of the eight matches they played. The county teams mesmerised them at will and the Tigers were as helpless as timid kittens. In the last one-dayer against the England Lions, they dished out a consolation win but it wasn't enough to hide the miseries of such a pathetic summer.

Like the A team, the U-19 and U-23 teams too were impecunious. In the U-19 tri-nation tournament in England, our young guns found it tough against England and Pakistan while in the U-23 Asian Cricket Council Emerging Teams tournament in Singapore, a less professional like UAE side thrashed the team.

But is such a shoddy performance surprising? Before such tours, our players did undergo some conditioning camp but how effective such conditioning camps can be if you don't play active cricket? Our cricketers have hardly played any form of active cricket since the last Zimbabwe tour. You remain focused and in a rhythm by playing domestic cricket at home and it always keeps you well prepared. Now, if there is no first-class cricket at home then how can you expect the boys to fare well in England after undergoing some conditioning camp? No matter how many national cricketers you include in the A team they will never bring the best of results if these players are not in the perfect rhythm.

From many sections of the press and cricket experts there is a hue and cry regarding this dismal summer. But in my opinion, the world has not ended for Bangladesh but it has brought some crude facts into light - rather than the poor show of our boys, it's the less professional approach of our cricket officials which has led to such a bemused outcome. Our officials should've never left our domestic cricket jet-logged.

It’s better to think about the bright side of the scenario. There have been some good performances by some of the U-19 boys. Musaddek Hossain and Sadman Islam are two youngsters who have been highly impressive during the tri-nation U-19 tournament in England. They coped well under adverse situations and certainly are bright prospects for the future if nurtured carefully. At the other end, from the U-23 team, Soumaya Sarker looked very impressive while from the A team Anamul Haque junior and Elias Sunny were consistent amid an absolute rut.

Moreover, these tours, especially the England tour, should be a big learning curve for our boys. Such away tours are always helpful in discovering self-deficiencies and developing a rock solid temperament. Even if this summer was a disaster for the Tigers but it had been a good education for the young boys and it might prove productive if the young boys learn from these tours.

Note: This article has been published on Cricketnext.com on 30/0/2013 Bangladesh cricket's poor summer a big learning curve 

Thank you

Faisal Caesar

ICC should allow us to play more Test cricket: Enamul Haque jnr

The smile of Enamul Haque Junior is always full of life and a matter of charm for the people surrounding him. But while he starts operating with the ball, he will give you tough times with dizzy and tricky spells.

Eight years ago, he triggered an absolute sensation by picking up eighteen wickets against Zimbabwe and gifting Bangladesh their first-ever Test series win since their introduction to Test cricket in 2000. Very recently, Cricketsoccer (CS) had a candid chat with this lad from Sylhet…..

CS: You were an absolute sensation during the series against Zimbabwe in 2005 but after that series you began to lose your vim. What do you think went wrong with you?

Enamul: Nothing went wrong. I am always considered as a Test bowler and as we didn’t play enough Test cricket, I think, that’s why the selectors didn’t consider me. You can say that I had been a bit unlucky.

CS: Despite the tremendous performance during the 2011-12 National Cricket League the selectors left you in the cold in the series against West Indies. But as a matter of fact, more often you suffer the ignorance of the selectors. What’s your take on this?

Enamul: I failed to fit in the selectors’ ideal combination and for which I was not considered against the West Indies.  But despite everything I wish to look forward to the next series.

CS: The Dhaka Premier League is jet-logged. There are many reasons being given regarding this awkward situation in newspapers. What do you think is the reason behind this?

Enamul: I read about this in the newspapers. There might be a lot of reasons behind this. But one thing I can say that it should have happened two months back.

CS: There is hardly any cricket going on at home. How badly it will affect our cricket?

Enamul: Definitely this is really bad for our cricket. You can see our A team is struggling in England and U23 team lost against UAE in Singapore. They didn’t have any proper match practice before such tours and how can one get enough match practice if the domestic cricket isn’t active? Without playing any active cricket how can you expect them to do well?

CS: You once provided the perfect foil to Mohammad Rafique’s guile. Both you and Rafique built up a potent combination. Now Mohammad Rafique is being suspected as a match-fixer. How much this surprised you?

Enamul: I was extremely shocked to know about Rafique Bhai! But still Rafique Bhai is just under suspicion. I pray and hope that the accusations against him prove wrong.


CS: Have you ever been approached by any bookies?

Enamul: No! Never!

CS: Bangladesh still haven’t been good in Test cricket. What according to you is the reason behind this?

Enamul: In my opinion, our weak domestic structure is pretty responsible for our poor exhibitions in Test cricket. All good Test sides in the world have a strong domestic cricket and for which they enjoy good results. For a better Test side a competitive and strong domestic cricket structure is a must. Again, we don’t play enough Test cricket as well. We just play a Test series once in a year. With such little amount of Test cricket it’s hard to improve as a Test team. The ICC should allow us to play more Test cricket.

CS: Don’t you think Bangladesh need to give more importance on the longer-version domestic formats rather than spending time and money in tournaments like the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL)?

Enamul: I think BPL is a good tournament but poorly organized. You are right we have to give more importance on the longer-version domestic formats.

CS: The English County cricket is the perfect arena for our cricketers to groom. I always felt that the County teams will not be bemused if they pick our cricketers. Don’t you think that our cricketers should be picked up by the County teams?

Enamel: It’s tough getting picked in County Cricket as you know only one overseas player is allowed to play there. To feature in the County teams you have to be regarded among the best in international cricket like Shakib and Tamim.

CS: What qualities does a left-arm spinner need to develop to fetch wickets regularly?

Enamul: A left-arm spinner needs to have an accurate action and the ability to spin the ball on any deck. Again, he must be blessed with plenty of patience.

CS: Who is your spin-bowling idol?

Enamul: Enamul Haque Moni, Rafique Bhai and Daniel Vettori are my idols.

CS: Bangladesh rely on the spinners too much. Do you think that over-relying on the spinners is hampering the young generation in taking pace bowling seriously? Don’t you think that we need to bring a variety on our wickets? So far our wickets have been very monotonous……

Enamul: To an extent it is hampering the young generation as in the pace bowling sector we don’t have any good role models other than Mashrafe Mortaza. Our wickets too aren’t enough encouraging in grooming pace bowlers. But things are changing in our domestic cricket for the last 12 months or so as I have played on some green tops and in that sense it will encourage the youngsters to take pace bowling seriously. And I don’t think over relying on the spinners is hampering our team as you always go according to your strength and our spinners are our strength.

CS: During the Zimbabwe series in 2005 what sort of plan did you make to turn it into an absolute purple patch for you?

Enamul: I was beaming with confidence and always believed that I can strike gold. I worked hard and had faith in my abilities. After fetching handful of wickets and bowling well in the first innings of the first Test against Zimbabwe at Chittagong in 2005, I became even more confident and I guess this confidence helped me to essay an absolute purple patch.

FC: In 2006, Bangladesh were about to embarrass Australia at Fatullah. With the ball you had been superb. In the first innings you bowled a ripper to dismiss Michael Clarke. Tell us something about that Test match and that magical delivery……


Enamul: That Test match against Australia in 2006 was one of the closely contested ones for Bangladesh and that too against the best team in the world. Australia were boasted by Shane Warne, Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist and co. From the word go we started to dominate them but in the end we just failed to create history.

Yeah, I remember that delivery to Michael Clarke. It was the first ball of my spell and I tossed up a ball which pitched on a leg-stump line but took a sharp turn after pitching and hit Clarke’s off-stump. Clarke was dumbfounded. It had been one of the best deliveries I have ever bowled.

CS: After 2006, you were once again, in and out from the team and we discovered you again in the West Indies tour in 2009 and you were again part of another historic moment for Bangladesh. We wish to know about that historic tour……

Enamul: Well, before the Test series against West Indies, for thirteen months Bangladesh didn’t play any Test cricket. We had a bad World T20 tournament in England and the team had a new captain in Mashrafe Mortaza. But in the middle of the first Test match we lost Mashrafe and Shakib took the responsibility to lead our side.

From my personal point of view, I still feel proud to be part of every Test victories of Bangladesh. I got selected in the second Test match and found myself in an excellent rhythm while bowling. I fetched six wickets in that Test match and proved critical in Bangladesh’s victory. But Shakib had an outstanding series during that time, especially as a captain he was spot on.


CS: How influential Dav Whatmore had been in your career?

Enamul: Dav Whatmore was a fantastic coach for Bangladesh. He had the eyes to pick young talents. He had been extremely influential in my cricketing career as he installed faith in me and made me believe that I can play Test cricket for Bangladesh.

CS: How do you rate Shane Jurgensen as a coach?

Enamul: Shane Jurgensen is a very popular person in the team. He is loved by all. He enjoys a very good understanding with the players and he gives importance in every single matter regarding cricket and players.

CS:  Jurgensen has hinted that he wouldn’t rely on the spinners that much in the upcoming series against New Zealand. But as a matter of fact, the spinners are our main weapon and we don’t have any good fast bowlers. Do you support Jurgensen’s idea?

Enamul: Jurgensen is a very competent coach and is blessed with productive ideas. One thing I can say he has better plans for the New Zealand series.


CS: Shall we see you play against New Zealand?

Enamul: I am confident of returning against New Zealand.

CS: Thank you so much for talking with Cricketsoccer. Do you have any message for you fans?

Enamul: For the fans I would like to say, keep believing on us. We are working hard to do well as a team.

Note - This interview has been published on Cricketsoccer on 25/08/ 2013 ICC should allow us to play more Test cricket: Enamul Haque jnr

Thank You
Faisal Caesar

You need actions and not words to bloom flowers in a broken heart once again!

A repeatedly broken heart becomes a barren land. Flowers never bloom in that heart. Your feelings become ice-cold! None attracts you. No feelings crop up in your heart which was once full of life and romance. Your heart is devoid of joy. The barren land in your heart needs to bloom flowers once again and for which you need someone in your life to act and not utter only words to bloom flowers in that broken heart!

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

The BCB cannot sweep fixing problems under the carpet

The Radisson Water Garden Hotel in Dhaka was as usual looking ravishing. Its acuminous architect work and dashing outlook have made it one of the most glittering hotels in Bangladesh. In a very short time, since its commencement, the Radisson has captured the heart of the tourists and elites of the country. But on August 13, the hotel's much resplendent beauty faded away. Neither the sharp architect works nor its romantic appeal could save the Radisson from turning pale.

In a press conference arranged by the ICC and BCB, the ICC's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit's (ACSU) report was unleashed. Nine individuals have been charged by the ACSU for breaching the BCB's code of conduct during the Bangladesh Premier League earlier this year. Even though it was said that the identities of the nine individuals will not be disclosed until the conclusion of the proceedings, through various local news channels we could come to know about the alleged individuals.

According to reports in the Bangladesh media, they include four local cricketers - Mohammad Ashraful, former Test bowler Mohammad Rafique, pacer Mahbubul Alam and left-arm spinner Mosharrof Hossain; the owners of Dhaka Gladiators - Selim Chowdhury and Shihab Chowdhury; the CEO of Dhaka Gladiators - Gourav Rawat; and two foreign players, Darren Stevens and Kaushal Lokuarachchi.

Ashraful's involvement and later on his verdict in front of the media regarding the matter shocked us all and now the involvement of one of Bangladesh's prominent cricketers, Rafique, has left ardent fans and followers speechless. Many Bangladeshi fans were proud of their cricketers' honesty even if as a team Bangladesh are not the heavyweights in world cricket. But after this heart-breaking event, pride has been dented severely.

Many emotional followers are demanding less punishment of the involved cricketers, especially fans of Ashraful whose world seems to have turned upside down. But one thing they fail to realise is that a crime is always a crime. Ashraful himself has admitted to his involvement in spot-fixing, for which he doesn't deserve any mercy. Not only Ashraful, but the cricketers whose names have been mentioned should also receive punishment for disgracing Bangladesh if they are proved guilty.

Bangladesh cricket has been jolted, but it must proceed forward with enough vim and appropriate plans. Bangladesh must move on but not by sweeping all the problems under the carpet like our comically corrupted politicians do without fail.

It is now a well established fact that corruption in Bangladesh cricket has not cropped up suddenly. It has existed for a long time. The reason for its dissemination like a malignant cell has been due to lack of proper attention bt the BCB. To weed out corruption is never an easy task but its spread can be limited and it is high time that the BCB takes stern steps in eradicating corruption from its cricket.

Other than educating players and establishing strict monitoring systems during the domestic cricket seasons or any other age-group cricket matches, the BCB must realise that many of our cricketers' families depend on the money earned from playing domestic cricket. Whatever they earn from playing cricket, more often, fails to meet the demand at home for which frustration creeps in and players choose the wrong path. These cricketers' futures are not secure enough.

What the BCB can do is to ensure respectable jobs for these poverty-stricken cricketers either in the BCB or BKSP or any of the board's high-profile programs or ensure their allotments in various developmental programs of the ICC and ACC. If these cricketers get the surety of a secured future then to a great extent their minds will not divert towards the wrong path.

Cricketers who earn lesser than the national team's players are susceptible and need to be handled by the BCB like a caring father would, and not a boss. Moreover, the BCB must ensure the regularity of domestic cricket so that these cricketers don't get devoured by depression and hence hug the devil.

So, rather than thinking and shouting about whether the suspected players should be punished or not or whether any foreign conspiracy is involved in this matter, we should think about bouncing back from this rut.

Note – This article has been published in Cricketnext.com on 16/08/2013  The BCB cannot sweep fixing problems under the carpet

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Shahid Afridi: The return of enigma

He was almost about to slip from everyone’s mind. The critics had started writing his obituaries once again. For TV channels, the man had become a subject of funny parodies, and the selectors excluded him from Champions Trophy squad only to see Pakistan capitulating haplessly. How could the critics, selectors, and fans write off an enigma whose eruptions are intermittent but astonishingly nonpareil? How could they undermine the abilities of a Pathan who has intimidated the most ferocious bowlers with his uninhibited belligerence? It’s a fallacy to undermine a player like Afridi.

There is a charm in a pugnaciously pounded cover drive; there are mystique senses in watching the ball spin at will - the game blooms like a wildflower when dashers like Afridi take the center stage. When it’s his day everything comes together and forms a mercurial maelstrom. Afridi’s raw power is a sight to relish; his magical exhibitions are a gift from the heavens.

After a dismal ICC Champions Trophy in England, there had been murmurs whether Afridi’s career can be given another lifeline. The Pakistani selectors had already axed seniors like Younis Khan, Shoaib Malik and Imran Farhat and it was least expected that Afridi would feature in the team for the West Indies tour.  But the selectors felt the need to inject a wild flavour and Afridi returned to play for Pakistan again and immediately proved his worth with scintillating performances.

In the first ODI at Providence, Guyana, the Afridi magic was evident at large. Batting first, the Pakistani top order, as usual, was reeling at 47 for 5. The manner of dismissals was demoralizing. But wait! Afridi is still to come. Whenever he’s around the cricketing landscape is never short of actions. A written-off Afridi came out to bat to give Misbah-ul-Haq the company. Misbah was in his sheet-anchor-like-role mood but Afridi donned the mantle of an absolute destroyer. Afridi remained unfazed by critical situation and unleashed his kamikaze style of batting which simply dented the Caribbean bowlers – five towering sixes and six scorching boundaries enlivened the Providence stadium. Afridi doled out a loquacious but cataclysmic 76 off 55 balls. According to Misbah, the Providence track was the toughest to cope with but it didn’t matter much to Afridi who stood tall and strong to plunder the Caribbean attack.

When his turn came to essay magic with the ball, Afridi made short work of the West Indian batsmen in the twinkle of an eye. He came into bowl as the sixth bowler and ended up grabbing 7 wickets for just 12 runs from his allotted nine overs.  Afridi, yet again, hit the headlines with a game transforming half-century and the second-best ODI bowling figures of all-time.

In the nail-biting final ODI at Saint Lucia, the chutzpah of Afridi was evident again where he cracked a quick-fire 13 off 6 balls to ensure Pakistan would clinch the ODI series.

In the first T20I at Saint Vincent, Afridi’s bat again flashed to script a critical 46-run innings to help Pakistan win a thrilling encounter. Throughout the West Indies tour, Afridi shone brightly with the bat as well as with the ball.

Shahid Afridi has made a comeback with a bang!

When the going gets tough, the tough gets going and when the going gets tough for Shahid Afridi, he dishes out incredible performances, for which his fans continue to adore him despite his inconsistency. How can Pakistan leave its most majestic gift in the cold and allot places for players like Imran Farhat and Shoaib Malik? Afridi’s vim has still not sapped. He still has a lot to offer for his team and world cricket. To enjoy the Pakistan team you need the feral ebullience of Afridi. To make a successful ODI and T20 team, Pakistan need the magic of this prodigal Pathan.

Note: This article has published in Cricketsoccer on 8/08/2013 Shahid Afridi: The return of enigma

Thank You
Faisal Caesar

Neymar's 'Anaemia' Saga

 

Barcelona have released an official statement saying that Neymar has anaemia. For a clear understanding of the illness, and how it can affect his career, we have spoken to the editor of Cricketsoccer, Faisal Caesar, who is also a doctor by profession and practices Medicine. Faisal has shared his worthwhile insightful thoughts regarding the matter………

Recent medical investigations have shown that the Brazilian sensation has a low blood haemoglobin level, but the club has released a statement saying that they aren’t worried with this issue, and they are hopeful that it should not affect his career. Although anaemia is a very treatable illness, and there are many different types of standard medications available but after the sad ends of Piermario Morosini, Darius Venkatesh and Antonio Puerta, it is certainly not sensible enough to gamble with a sportsman’s health.

Cricketsoccer wished to dig deep regarding the subject and discussed the matter with Cricketsoccer’s editor Faisal Caesar who is also a doctor by profession and is presently engaged in practicing medicine and cardiology.

Cricketsoccer asked Faisal what anaemia actually is. He answered, ‘Anaemia is a state in which the level of haemoglobin in the blood is below the normal range appropriate for age and sex. In an adult male, when haemoglobin is less than 13 gram/deciliter and female less than 11.5 gram/deciliter it is labeled as anaemia. When haemoglobin is low up to 11 gram/deciliter it is labeled as mild anaemia, a value of 9-11 gram/deciliter as moderate anaemia and below 9 gram/deciliter as severe anemia.’

On asking about the causes of anaemia Faisal replied, ‘There are several causes of anaemia. Anaemia occurs due to congenital disorders, Hookworm infestation, nutritional deficiency such as iron, vitamin B12 etc. Acute and chronic blood loss and malignancies are the common causes.’

According to Faisal, an anaemic patient presents with pallor and fatigue and in severe cases, breathlessness is experienced alongside pallor and fatigue. He said that if the anaemia isn’t treated properly, there can be fatal health hazards like anemic heart failures.

Faisal then explained about Neymar’s anaemia - ‘There is news that Neymar is suffering from anemia. First of all, it has not been revealed what sort of anemia it is and we don’t know Neymar’s actual hemoglobin level and for which we are unaware of its severity. But it can be understood that Neymar’s anaemia is not something like an inherited disorder such as Thalassaemia or Hameophillia as if those had occurred then Neymar would not have been able to become a footballer. Then we can presume that it’s not something severe otherwise Neymar would not have been able to perform on the pitch.’

‘It might be either due to nutritional deficiency as we know that Neymar was poverty-stricken during his childhood and he might have a nutritional deficiency during that time which may lead to nutritional deficiency anaemia. Or, he might have picked this anaemia after his recent tonsillectomy operation,’ he said.

Barcelona have stated that the anemia has occurred after Neymar’s recent tonsillectomy operation, although some of the world media have said that is impossible but Faisal Caesar has a very good argument on this and in fact, his explanations bear enough weight. Faisal said that anaemia after a tonsillectomy operation is possible if there is profuse bleeding during or after this surgery.

He said, ‘After tonsillectomy two types of haemorrhage occur. One is reactionary haemorrhage which occurs within 24 hours of operation and the other is secondary haemorrhage which occurs from 24 hours onwards. I just think Neymar developed a reactionary haemorrhage which was quite severe enough to trigger anaemia. But this anemic condition can be corrected by appropriate drug therapy and dietary supplements. In blood loss anaemias, most commonly, a person’s body suffers from an iron deficiency state. So a person who develops anemia after tonsillectomy or any other acute blood loss should be on a proper nutritional diet, especially he must eat a lot of iron containing foods and if needed a proper drug therapy should be taken.’

On asking whether Neymar's anaemia will affect his career or not, Faisal replied, ‘Neymar’s anaemia is not something severe which might dent his career but it’s a mild to moderate form which perhaps developed after tonsillectomy – though it’s based on guesses as we don’t know his full medical history and blood profile – and needs a dietary regime enriched with iron-containing foods and drug therapy depending on the blood iron profile.’

Faisal then added, ‘Neymar’s physicians must maintain a strict diet and drug therapy as because athletes are more sensitive to the effects of iron deficiency because they depend on the body’s ability to transport oxygen to the muscles and in that process red blood cell hemoglobin and muscle cell myoglobin – a muscle protein - carry the oxygen and require an adequate amount of iron to function properly. For the athletes, a shortage of hemoglobin due to iron deficiency will cause the body to work slower and actually affect their performance. Again; less stored iron can negatively affect aerobic training. This can decrease energy efficiency and increase muscle fatigue and cramping.’

Regarding Neymar’s diet Faisal suggested, ‘To prevent this anemic condition Neymar’s physicians should include some lean cuts of red meat, beans, lentils, dark green leafy vegetables, eggs and nuts in his diet regularly. Neymar must increase the intake of vitamin C-rich foods (including citrus fruits, berries, new potatoes, broccoli, sprouts, tomatoes, peppers, and kiwis). Vitamin C helps make iron more absorbable. Neymar must void drinking tea and coffee after diets as the tannins in them bind to iron in the food and prevent it from being absorbed. Also, additional consumption of pure bran is helpful as it is very high in phytates (a salt or ester of phytic acid occurring in plants), which also binds to the iron.’

Barcelona’s sporting director Zubizarreta has insisted that the 21-year-old's condition, which comes a month after the attacker had his tonsils removed, is something the club will manage and is not overly serious.

‘We would have liked him to have been in perfect condition, but not many players arrive perfect for the pre-season,’ Zubizarreta said. ‘We'll help make sure he's in the right condition. It's not a concern There are quite a few days left before the league starts, although it is unlikely that he'll be 100 percent adapted [to Barcelona's style] by then.’

‘But we can clearly see that he's quickly getting a grasp of our type of football.’

Neymar made his Barcelona debut in a 2-2 friendly draw against Lechia Gdansk on Tuesday before appearing off the bench in an 8-0 win over Santos on Friday. Barcelona will begin the defence of their Spanish top-flight title with a home fixture against Levante on August 18, with Neymar fully expected to make his competitive debut.

Contributors: Faisal Caesar and Samuel Bridges who is an intern in Cricketsoccer.

The llink of this piece, published on 5/08/2013, is here - Neymar’s ‘Anaemia’ Saga 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Taskin Ahmed needs to be handled carefully

Bangladesh's pace bowling, so far, has been nothing but a painstaking story. Other than Mashrafe Mortaza, till now, Bangladesh have not been able to produce any quality fast bowlers. In the recently concluded Zimbabwe series Robiul Islam looked highly impressive and is expected to deliver the goods on a long term basis.

But an 18-year-old boy has caught the imagination of Bangladeshi fans. His face beams with confidence, he bowls with enough vigour and is hungry for wickets when he runs into bowl. His action is smooth and his accuracy at such a young age is highly impressive. He can swing and cut the ball at will and despite not featuring in the national squad the youngster has taken Bangladesh cricket by storm. To many, he is the perfect replacement for Mashrafe Mortaza.

The name of the young man is Taskin Ahmed.

Taskin's pace bowling prowess was first observed by the world during the second Bangladesh Premier League this year. Representing Chittagong Kings, Taskin proved to be the difference in the big match against Duronto Rajshahi. Coming in as the replacement for an injured Shaun Tait, Taskin bowled exceedingly well to help his team to register a vital win.

Taskin started his first class-cricket career for Dhaka Metropolis against Barisal Division in 2011 at the age of 16. He went wicketless in the first innings but picked his first wicket in the second innings. He bowled in short spells during that match.

In 2012, in the fourth 50-over match against the touring England Under-19 side at Sylhet, Taskin plucked four wickets by exhibiting sublime swing and accuracy to help his team win the match and take a crucial 3-1 lead in the seven-matc series. The next year, he featured in the BPL and was found amongst wickets as well. In the final against Dhaka Gladiators, Taskin picked up two important wickets one of which was the dangerous Tillakaratne Dilshan. But his team couldn't withstand the Gladiators' might.

Personally, not being a follower of T20 Leagues, I didn't watch a bustling Taskin in action live. Many of my friends told me to about his prowess and later on I watched Taskin bowl on YouTube. Very few talented individuals can impress you at first sight and surely Taskin belongs to that category of players who gives the assumption that he was born with a ball in his hand and can go a long way.

Like any fast bowler, Taskin is prone to injury and currently he is suffering from a left knee injury. The BCB sent him to Australia for a knee operation but after proper examination the specialists there said that Taskin will not need a surgery but two to three months of rehabilitation program and strength training to become fit again.

Taskin needs proper guidance and nurturing. It is very important to understand what sort of workload his young shoulders and feet can take. Rather than using him too much in the T20 format it would be ideal to utilize him in first-class cricket and observe his ability to cope with the workload. Above all, the best place for Taskin to develop would be in county cricket.

Again, Taskin needs the guidance of experienced hands and in that sense, quality time spent with good fast bowling coaches can be highly valuable. The BCB can arrange fast bowling workshops conducted by quality coaches which will help not only Taskin but other young pacers.

The arrival of new and exciting talents is nothing new in Bangladesh cricket. Sadly, in the course of time, many such talents have faded away. Immature handling has been the main reason behind their sad demise. If the same happens with Taskin then it will be a great loss for Bangladesh.

Note – This article has been published in cricketnext.com on 3/08/2013 Taskin Ahmed needs to be handled carefully 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar