Friday, February 19, 2016

An Open Letter to Baz: A Story of Inspiration


Dear Baz, 

Life often takes us on journeys that challenge our spirit and test the depths of our resilience. For me, one of those journeys began on **February 6, 2016**, when I lost my father—a man who fought a courageous battle against tongue cancer for five long years. Despite our efforts, the disease unleashed its fury, and in the stillness of that fateful night, my father’s battle ended with a sudden and devastating blow. 

As a doctor, the sense of helplessness I felt was profound. Despite my medical training, I could do nothing to alter the inevitable. His passing left an emptiness in our lives, a chasm that words could not fill. My family was shattered, but as the only son, I bore the weight of responsibilities. My father’s burial, consoling my grieving mother and sister, and steadying my wife—all fell upon my shoulders. 

Amidst this turmoil, I had to face another challenge: my MD examinations in Internal Medicine at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, scheduled just two days after my father’s passing. The thought of focusing on something so mundane as exams felt almost cruel, but I chose to face them—not because it was easy, but because life demanded it. 

As I walked this path of grief and duty, I found strength in unexpected places. Among them was your story, Baz. 

The Journey of an Unlikely Leader 

Your ascension to the captaincy of the New Zealand cricket team was met with scepticism and controversy. The critics favoured Ross Taylor and your early days at the helm were anything but smooth. Who could forget the disastrous series against South Africa, where Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, and Vernon Philander tore through the Kiwi batting order? It was a baptism by fire that left New Zealand cricket—and your leadership—under the microscope. 

But where many would have crumbled, you stood firm. Instead of succumbing to the criticism, you transformed it into a catalyst for change. By 2014, under your leadership, New Zealand cricket had evolved into a force to be reckoned with. Your men played a fearless brand of cricket—aggressive, dynamic, and yet, always respectful of the game’s spirit. 

You embraced accountability, shunning the blame game that often dominates modern sports. Even in the face of umpiring errors, you refused to fan controversies, choosing instead to focus on your team’s own shortcomings. This rare humility became your hallmark. 

A Legacy Beyond Stats 

Your leadership transcended tactics and strategies. It was a philosophy—one that valued sportsmanship over gamesmanship. The way you honoured Phillip Hughes by instructing your bowlers to avoid bouncers and curbing wicket celebrations during a match spoke volumes about your character. These gestures didn’t just honour a fallen colleague; they reminded the world of cricket’s true essence. 

Your approach revived interest in Test cricket, a format many had deemed obsolete in the age of T20 leagues. By playing an attacking style, you made five-day cricket thrilling once again, drawing young fans to the stadiums and television screens. You proved that aggression on the field could coexist with grace and dignity. 

In limited-overs cricket, your strategies redefined what it meant to play fearlessly. Setting attacking fields even against the opposition’s best batters showed a belief in your team’s abilities that inspired confidence and admiration. 

The Inspiration You Provided 

Baz, your story mirrored my own struggles in many ways. Just as you turned the tide for New Zealand cricket, I had to muster the courage to face my own challenges. Your journey from an entertainer to one of the game’s most respected captains was a testament to resilience and self-belief. It taught me that failure is not the end but a stepping stone to greatness. 

Your decision to retire at the height of your powers exemplified another rare quality: knowing when to bow out. By stepping away before the weight of personal milestones clouded your judgment, you left cricket not just as a great player but as an enduring inspiration. 

 A Thank You from Bangladesh 

As you step away from the international stage, know that your impact goes far beyond the boundaries of cricket fields. You have inspired countless individuals like me—doctors, students, and cricket fans alike—to persevere in the face of adversity. 

Thank you, Baz, for showing the world that true leadership lies not in accolades or records but in character, courage, and compassion. 

With heartfelt gratitude, 

A son, a doctor, and a cricket fan from Bangladesh  


Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

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