As a fan if you wish to talk to Aminul Islam, then you will
be surprised to discover a very humble person devoid of superstar-like-attitude.
There will be no ego, no avoidance and no harsh behaviour, but you will be
welcomed cordially and in the course of time, you will discover that Aminul
Islam is just like your elder brother who will always be there to listen to you
and make feel very special.
Aminul Islam is one of the most fantastic willow-wielders Bangladesh
cricket has ever produced. His technique was well-equipped and temperamentally,
Aminul Islam was rock solid. He was never shy to execute the hook or pull shot
against the pacers while his astute footwork against the spinners was a treat
to watch and his batting always put him apart from the rest of his team-mates
in those days when Bangladesh
cricket was in an embryonic stage.
Aminul Islam is that cricketer from Bangladesh
who alongside Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu, Akram Khan, Golam Nawsher Prince and
Minhajul Abedin dreamed the most impossible dream when cricket had hardly any
trace in Bangladesh .
Since the birth of Bangladesh ,
it was soccer, which had been the most relished sports in the country and
throughout the 80s, soccer’s popularity was sky high.
But amid this massive popularity of soccer, people like
Aminul Islam, Akram Khan, Minhajul Abedin and co. carried the hope of cricket
on their responsible shoulders. There was no fund for cricket in those days,
there was no cash earned while playing cricket, but still these wise guys never
gave up playing cricket because they were extremely passionate about the game. They
just loved the sport, and for Aminul Islam cricket was ‘oxygen.’
One day, their dream came true. Bangladesh
played their first Test at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka
and Aminul Islam became a part of Bangladesh
cricket’s folklore.
But surprisingly, his critics didn’t let him sit comfortably.
Definitely, for a young Test team to get mature enough, you need the
experienced players in the team and Aminul Islam’s batting would have been
invaluable in the truest sense of the word. Just when he was getting accustomed
to Bangladesh
cricket’s new environment, suddenly, he found himself ignored by the selectors.
Keeping in mind the 2003 World Cup, there had been
suggestions from a section of the press to get rid of the seniors and build a
team full of youngsters! Thus, suddenly, the iconic figure of Aminul Islam
started to fade away from Bangladesh
cricket. He was not even allowed to participate in the domestic competitions! How
pathetic can selectors’ behaviour be towards such an icon!
Ignored by the Cricket Board and harsh press, a bruised
Aminul Islam flew to Australia
where he is a permanent citizen and started cricket coaching there. In Australia ,
Aminul Islam had gained enough knowledge regarding cricket coaching. He then
had been the part of the Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) developmental program
where he and others were given the responsibility to promote cricket in
countries China ,
Myanmar , Brunei ,
Malaysia , Singapore
and Taiwan .
Aminul Islam took the responsibility of blooming flowers in China
and so far, his immense hard work has paid off. In China ,
cricket is a revolution now. The Chinese have started to master this game.
Very recently, Aminul Islam has been made the tournament director
of the ongoing Asia Cup. It has indeed been a well-justified reward for a man
who has sharp knowledge of the game, who knows the intricacies of this sport
very well and possesses enough international experience regarding cricket
coaching and man management issues. Such people are an asset for any country. Any
country would love to utilize his vast experience and knowledge for the well-being
of their cricket.
But sadly, Bangladesh Cricket Board hardly bothered to
recognize Aminul Islam’s knowledge and experience. Sadly, his enormous
experience has never been utilized for the well-being of our cricket. But, does
an icon like Aminul Islam deserve this? Shouldn’t his experience come extremely
beneficial for our cricket? Not only his knowledge and experience, but his
ability to nurture young cricketers would have helped our young guns immensely.
His elder brother like presence would have been ideal in managing high egos in
the team.
I firmly believe that Bangladesh
cricket needs Aminul Islam. You can’t ignore that gardener who is accustomed to
bloom beautiful flowers.
Note: This article has been published in Sportskeeda on28/02/2014 Why Bangladesh cricket needs Aminul Islam
Note: This article has been published in Sportskeeda on
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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