The heat of the day ebbs to a comforting warmth. Gradually,
the sunshine loses its brightness and the color of Dhaka softens, but the noise
remains the same. It’s time to return home after spending a hectic time at the
office. While passing the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, one
can feel that the atmosphere is different. The floodlights are shining brightly
and puts the colour of the evening at shame.
The buzz outside the stadium overshadows the noise of busy
Dhaka. Even last week, there was a certain silence, but now, the scene is
different.
The gentle breeze blowing around the stadium area is filled
with music. It’s the music of cricket which brings each and every Bangladeshi
on the same platform. It’s the music which instills hope amid the day to day
hassle and depression. The tragic incident at Gulshan on July 1, 2016, infused
a sense of uncertainty among the Bangladeshis, but the days of doom and gloom
will be forgotten as the whole Bangladesh will tune to the music of cricket.
The sun will sink lower in the sky, the light of the day
will drain away and nightfall. But, the people of Bangladesh will neither hug
the evening, nor night, but will be busy in celebrating life by cheering for
the Tigers.
How doleful and disquieted the Bangladeshis were after the
bloodshed at Gulshan on July 1 one cannot imagine. Yes, the nation bounced back
and went back to their normal life, but the life was not as rhythmic as before.
A certain apprehension gripped the whole nation. Life went on as usual, but it
lacked the joy and inspiration to advance forward.
When the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced that the
Tigers will play a three-match one-day series against Afghanistan, it elevated
the mood of Bangladesh. Gradually the rhythm started to come back and as the
day for the ODI series came closer, the Bangladeshis are rediscovering their
lost rhythm.
At present, Afghanistan are one of the most dangerous sides
in world cricket. In the limited-overs format, they are capable of posing a
stifling challenge for the opposition and already, players like Asghar
Stanikzai, Dawlat Zardan , Muhammad Nabi, Nawroz Mangal and Mohammad Shahzad are
prominent names in world cricket and possess the qualities to change the course
of the game at any moment.
And of course, Bangladesh have not forgotten how they
defeated the Tigers two years ago in front of the home crowd. On paper,
Bangladesh are the favourites , but it won’t be a wise act to take Afghanistan
lightly.
The upcoming series is very significant for
Bangladesh
Firstly, this series will be the dress rehearsal of the
security arrangements of Bangladesh. After the terrorist attack at Gulshan, the
security status of Bangladesh came under the scanner and raised doubts. It
proved that Australia’s decision to cancel the tour last year was apt and
appropriate and in turn, dark clouds gathered over the possibilities of England
tour.
Thankfully, England decided to tour Bangladesh, but still
one cannot sit down and relax until and unless the ODI series against
Afghanistan surpasses without any unwanted occurrences. Bangladesh needs to
prove a point regarding their security arrangements and make others believe,
the security arrangements in Bangladesh is well-equipped to ensure adequate
safety.
Secondly, The crooked minds who orchestrate such heinous
acts and create unrest, need a strong message through this series. The dark
souls should bear in mind, no matter what acts they dish out to disrupt the
synchronicity of this society, sports will always be there to restore courage
and faith among the people.
There might be a bomb explosion in Paris or the savage acts
at Gulshan, but a ball and bat will rise to the occasion to frustrate the terrorists whose main aim is to
instill apprehension in the minds of the common people.
The ODI series against Afghanistan will be the perfect
exhibition of courage by Bangladesh and the befitting answer to terrorism.
Thirdly, in the recent times, quite a few exciting talents
have emerged in Bangladesh. During the Under-19 World Cup, some of the young
guns caught the attention of many and deserve a place in the national squad.
The ODI series against Afghanistan would be the perfect platform to test those
young guns.
Lastly, this series was much needed for the passionate fans
of Bangladesh cricket and Tigers . Since the Asia Cup, hardly any international
cricket has taken place in Bangladesh. Neither Bangladesh have played any
international cricket since the World Twenty20. The ODI series against
Afghanistan will be helpful in bringing the Tigers back in rhythm and shrug off
their jet-lagged status and above all, it will help the Bangladeshis to regain
their lost charm which was lost after the Gulshan attack.
It’s time to celebrate life and welcome international
cricket in Bangladesh.
Note: This article has been published at Sportskeeda on 23/09/2016 The Afghanistan series is more than about Cricket for Bangladesh
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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