In the 80s and 90s, the young generation were discouraged to
take cricket seriously. Few parents did allow their kids to play football and
take it as a profession, but when any of the kids wished to become a cricketer,
they did not receive enough support from their family. As because, cricket had
no future in Bangladesh. Cricketers like Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu, Yousuf Babu,
Aminul Islam, Minhazul Abedin and Akram Khan did inject a lot of inspiration,
but at the end of the day those inspirations were like a morning dew which
vanished as the day progressed.
Bangladesh were not a Test nation and to earn a Test status
was an uphill task. If cricket needs to grow in this part of the region, a Test
status is a must for Bangladesh and for that, they need to feature in the ICC
World Cup.
Bangladesh’s performances in the ICC Trophies were not good
and the dream of becoming a Test nation always remained a dream.
The nation kept busy with football.
Me, my friends and a few fans in Dhaka and Chittagong dreamed
big.
In 1992, I returned home late after playing cricket in the
gully and was heavily scolded. My family said in a harsh manner, “Give up
playing cricket. Bangladesh has no future in cricket!”
I told my sister, “Things will change some day. Wasim,
Waqar, Lara and Tendulkar will come to play in Dhaka one day”.
My sister said, “Kochu!”
It’s March 15, 2017 today. Bangladesh will play their 100th
Test match. How things have changed over the years! Since yesterday, deep down,
I have been very emotional. I am sure, those who grew up listening, Bangladesh has
no future in cricket during their school and college life, are very emotional
like me today.
I have watched the Tigers to grow. I have watched how the
boys overcame the obstacles to establish themselves as a Test playing nation.
We have a great history and our history was not made easy.
Long live Bangladesh and Tigers!!!
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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