The Radisson and the Fallen Veil of Bangladesh Cricket

On August 13, the Radisson Water Garden Hotel in Dhaka, known for its sharp architectural charm and gleaming allure, lost its lustrous appeal in the wake of revelations that would shake Bangladesh cricket to its core. The elegant hotel, a favourite among tourists and Dhaka's elites found itself hosting an event that laid bare a scandal lurking beneath the surface of Bangladesh’s cherished sport. At a press conference held by the ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), the ICC’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) announced charges against nine individuals for breaching the BCB’s code of conduct during the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) earlier that year. The announcement dimmed the hotel's opulence and cast a shadow over Bangladesh cricket.

Although identities were initially withheld pending the investigation, Bangladesh’s media soon revealed the alleged perpetrators: four local players, including star cricketer Mohammad Ashraful, former Test bowler Mohammad Rafique, pacer Mahbubul Alam, and spinner Mosharrof Hossain; owners of the Dhaka Gladiators, Selim Chowdhury and Shihab Chowdhury; the CEO of the team, Gourav Rawat; and two international players, Darren Stevens and Kaushal Lokuarachchi.

Ashraful’s involvement was a shattering blow for fans, who saw him not only as a player but as a symbol of Bangladesh’s rise in world cricket. His tearful confession in front of the media sparked national outrage and heartbreak. Rafique’s alleged involvement only added to the dismay, leaving fans, once proud of Bangladesh cricket’s integrity, feeling betrayed. To supporters who watched the sport with hopeful eyes, this scandal was more than just a story of individual failures—it felt like a profound erosion of the very identity they held dear.

Some fans, grieved and conflicted, have pleaded for leniency, especially for Ashraful, a player who once stood as a symbol of youthful promise. But the harsh reality remains: crime in any form compromises the game. By his own admission, Ashraful engaged in spot-fixing, leaving little room for mercy. If proven guilty, every implicated player must face due punishment—not out of malice, but to preserve the sanctity of the sport and the pride of a nation.

This scandal is a rude awakening for Bangladesh cricket, but it presents an opportunity to build a stronger foundation. Bangladesh’s cricket authorities must confront the shadow of corruption that has existed in the sport for years. Corruption didn’t simply appear overnight; it spread, silently feeding on neglected issues. The BCB must now take decisive action to uproot these problems, which require both stringent reform and a compassionate understanding of the players’ vulnerabilities.

A key part of combating corruption will be to address players’ financial insecurities. Many Bangladeshi cricketers, especially those outside the national team, struggle to support their families on earnings from domestic cricket alone. Limited resources can breed frustration, which, over time, tempt players to make reckless choices. Without stable income or prospects for a secure future, many players may see corruption as the only escape from poverty.

The BCB could offer greater support by providing employment opportunities within its ranks, at the BKSP (Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan), or through ICC and ACC development programs. Assured of a stable career, players could resist the lure of quick but damaging gains. Cricketers at the lower tiers must feel that they are valued members of the cricketing community. They need a guardian, not a disciplinarian, as the BCB should work with them like a nurturing mentor rather than a distant administrator. Additionally, the regular scheduling of domestic tournaments could help players avoid the despair that idleness often brings, channelling their passion constructively.

For Bangladesh cricket, now is not the time to fixate on questions of guilt, foreign interference, or conspiracy. Instead, it’s time to confront the issue with clarity and purpose. The road to redemption will require a focus on rebuilding from within, prioritizing the well-being of players, and fostering a culture of integrity. This scandal may have tarnished the image of Bangladesh cricket, but with a genuine commitment to reform, it can emerge stronger, resilient, and ready to restore the faith of its people.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

The Resurgence of Shahid Afridi: Pakistan's Prodigal Enigma Finds His Form Again

Shahid Afridi’s career has been marked by brilliance as volatile as it is magnificent. Few players in cricketing history have drawn the kind of polarized scrutiny he has faced. Critics, who have so often dismissed him, began penning his obituaries once again after his exclusion from Pakistan’s Champions Trophy squad. Television channels portrayed him in humorous parodies, and for a moment, it seemed as though Pakistan’s cricketing world was ready to close the book on one of its most fascinating chapters. Yet, Afridi's story refuses to end. A player whose talents erupt like thunder, fleeting but awe-inspiring, Afridi is a reminder of the capricious beauty of cricket itself. It’s a fallacy to ever underestimate a player like him.

Afridi embodies a certain wild charm that transcends traditional cricketing aesthetics. The game comes alive when he’s at the crease, his pugnacious cover drives and audacious sixes painting an unrestrained, passionate canvas. Afridi doesn’t just play cricket; he transforms it into a spectacle. When it’s his day, everything else fades away, and all eyes are on his mercurial form, as his immense power and occasional wizardry turn the game into an untamed force of nature.

After Pakistan’s disappointing campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy in England, whispers surfaced: was it finally time for Afridi to step aside? With stalwarts like Younis Khan, Shoaib Malik, and Imran Farhat already axed from the squad, few expected Afridi to make the cut for the tour of the West Indies. But selectors, perhaps sensing the need for an unpredictable spark, chose to recall him—and Afridi quickly demonstrated why such gambles are worth taking.

In the opening ODI at Providence, Guyana, Pakistan’s fragile top order stumbled once again, reduced to 47 for 5. The situation was bleak, and fans braced for yet another collapse. But with Afridi still to bat, a thrill of anticipation rippled through the stands. Taking the field with Misbah-ul-Haq, who played his customary anchor role, Afridi transformed into the unstoppable force as he is capable of becoming. Unfazed by the precarious situation, he unleashed a fury of blistering shots, striking five sixes and six boundaries in a ferocious 76 off just 55 balls. Misbah later described the Providence pitch as one of the toughest he’d faced, yet Afridi, ever the maverick, seemed impervious to the challenges as he pummeled the Caribbean bowlers and reignited hope in the stands.

With the ball, Afridi’s magic was equally indomitable. Called on as the sixth bowler, he demolished the West Indies batting order, claiming an astonishing 7 wickets for a mere 12 runs—one of the finest ODI bowling performances in history. In that single game, Afridi silenced the critics, reestablishing himself as an enigma Pakistan cricket could not afford to overlook.

The final ODI at Saint Lucia provided yet another reminder of Afridi’s capacity for dramatic impact. In a tense, close finish, he struck a quick-fire 13 off 6 balls, helping Pakistan secure the series in style. And when the first T20I at Saint Vincent came around, Afridi’s bat once again spoke volumes, with a critical 46-run knock that propelled Pakistan to a thrilling victory. Throughout the West Indies tour, Afridi's contributions with both bat and ball rekindled the spark that his supporters had long cherished.

In Afridi, Pakistan has a player who thrives when the stakes are highest. His comebacks are an echo of his unyielding spirit, a tenacity that, despite inconsistency, resonates deeply with fans. There is a certain poetic justice in Afridi’s triumphs, a defiance of conventional expectations that appeals to Pakistan’s cricketing soul. For years, his place in the squad has been questioned, yet players like Imran Farhat and Shoaib Malik have come and gone while Afridi’s relevance endures. His vivacity, his ebullient style, is not just entertainment—it’s an essential ingredient in Pakistan’s cricketing recipe. 

If Pakistan wants to field a team capable of igniting the thrill of international competition, they need the irrepressible flair of Afridi. His contribution goes beyond runs and wickets; it’s a spirit of exuberance, an embodiment of raw potential and the visceral joy of the game. Shahid Afridi may be inconsistent, but his allure lies precisely in that unpredictability. As Pakistan’s prodigal Pathan, Afridi remains one of cricket’s enduring spectacles, a player who, despite the ups and downs, is a gift to his team and to the fans who understand that some talents defy conventional judgment. With Afridi in the lineup, the thrill of possibility is always just a swing away.

Thank You
Faisal Caesar

Bangladesh’s Elusive Quest for Fast-Bowling Greatness: Taskin Ahmed's Promise Amid Caution

Bangladesh’s journey in the realm of pace bowling has been one of ardent hope mingled with enduring frustration. Since the emergence of Mashrafe Mortaza, who inspired a generation with his fire and tenacity, Bangladesh has struggled to produce a successor who could consistently deliver the new ball and embody the nation's aspirations on the international stage. While there have been glimmers of promise, no one has yet managed to replicate the towering presence of Mortaza. However, in the recently concluded series against Zimbabwe, Robiul Islam showed promise with a commanding performance, rekindling hopes that the tide might finally be turning.

Yet it is a new, even younger face that has truly captured the imagination of Bangladeshi fans: 18-year-old Taskin Ahmed. With the fresh audacity of youth, Taskin’s confident demeanour on the field and smooth, aggressive action have made him an exciting prospect. He bowls with energy, exhibits impressive accuracy, and appears to possess an innate hunger for wickets that suggests he could become more than just a passing sensation. Taskin’s ability to swing and cut the ball at will is a rare gift, and his impact on fans has been profound, despite not yet being part of the national team. To many, he represents a natural heir to Mortaza's throne.

Taskin’s debut on the larger stage came during the second Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), where he represented the Chittagong Kings. Tasked with replacing the injured Shaun Tait, Taskin stepped up, making an immediate impact with a match-winning performance against Duronto Rajshahi. This was a defining moment, and in the heat of that contest, he showed glimpses of the composure and skill that would characterize his career moving forward. Watching him bowl, fans saw a young man seemingly born with a ball in his hand, a player who gave the impression of effortless mastery, as if fast bowling were part of his very being.

Taskin’s journey to this point has been marked by steady progress and the occasional setback. At just 16, he began his first-class career with Dhaka Metropolis, followed by a strong showing against the touring England Under-19 side in 2012, where he delivered a spell of sublime swing and accuracy that netted four wickets and helped his team clinch an important victory. The next year, he made waves in the BPL finals, where he scalped two crucial wickets, including that of Tillakaratne Dilshan. Though his team couldn’t overcome the Dhaka Gladiators’ formidable lineup, Taskin’s ability to thrive under pressure was evident.

For many cricket fans, Taskin’s early performances became the subject of conversations and online highlights, allowing fans like myself, who are less inclined towards T20 leagues, to witness his impressive skills on platforms like YouTube. Few players can capture one’s attention at first sight, but Taskin is certainly one of them. His passion, talent, and the air of a natural fast bowler make him a standout, capable of going far if nurtured wisely.

However, Taskin’s journey has not been without its challenges. Like many fast bowlers, he is susceptible to injury, a vulnerability that has already surfaced with a left knee issue. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) sent him to Australia for treatment, where specialists concluded that surgery was not necessary, though a careful regimen of rehabilitation and strength training over the next two to three months would be essential for a full recovery.

Herein lies a critical challenge for the BCB and those entrusted with Taskin’s development. This is not merely about managing a talented player; it is about sculpting a future. Taskin’s workload needs careful monitoring, particularly during the early, formative years of his career. The T20 format, with its intense bursts of activity, may not be ideal for him at this stage. A steadier progression in first-class cricket, with time to adjust and grow, would allow him to build the stamina and technique required for a sustainable international career. If possible, a stint in county cricket, where he could benefit from experienced guidance and a rigorous playing environment, could be invaluable.

Furthermore, the BCB must ensure Taskin has access to the mentorship of skilled fast-bowling coaches. Well-structured workshops, led by knowledgeable figures in the field, could not only help Taskin polish his craft but also support other promising young bowlers. Bangladesh has seen numerous promising players come and go, often lost to the missteps of premature exposure or inadequate guidance. Taskin’s story is still unfolding, and whether it becomes a tale of triumph or tragedy rests heavily on the choices made now.

Bangladesh cricket has had its share of meteors, players who dazzled briefly before fading into obscurity. Taskin Ahmed, however, has the potential to be more than a fleeting star. With a vision for long-term development, disciplined management, and the guidance of a seasoned hand, he could become the pace spearhead Bangladesh has yearned for. His career is a chapter yet unwritten, but one with the makings of a stirring tale—a tale that, if carefully nurtured, could serve as a new cornerstone for Bangladesh cricket’s fast-bowling legacy.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Lord’s Heatwave and the Cold Truth About Australian Cricket

The sun at Lord’s was punishing — the kind of oppressive heat that turns silk ties limp and prompts otherwise dignified gentlemen in the pavilion to knot handkerchiefs on their heads. On days like this, strangeness has a habit of creeping in: birds fly backwards, shadows stretch unnaturally, and leg-spinners rediscover their art.

Ian Bell was meant to be the day’s anchor, producing his third Ashes century in succession, a feat matched only by the greats — Hobbs, Hammond, Broad. He came to the crease with England teetering at 28 for 3, under the gaze of the Queen and the fire of Ryan Harris. Bell’s cover drives glistened like glass in the heat haze, understated strokes from an understated man. Yet cricket has a knack for rewriting its own script. By the close, Australia — bookending the day with wickets and poise — held the advantage, armed with a fresh ball and fresher hope.

But the romance of Bell’s innings soon collided with the blunt reality of Australia’s resilience with the ball and, more tellingly, their recklessness with the bat.

Collapse in the Cauldron

The pitch, dry but honest, had runs in it. What it demanded was patience. Australia gave it impatience. Their first-innings dismissal for 128 was not the result of unplayable deliveries but of an unplayable mindset. Poor shot selection, lapses in judgment, and an absence of fight defined the innings. Swann claimed five wickets almost by invitation. Harris, having earned a place on the honours board with 5 for 72, could only watch in fury as his teammates undid his work.

This was not merely a bad batting day — it was a window into the decline of an institution.

The Broader Decay

Andrew Strauss, with the detached precision of a surgeon, once remarked on the drop in standards he saw in Australian domestic cricket during England’s 2010–11 tour. The once-proud grade and Sheffield Shield systems, historically the finest proving grounds in the game, have been marginalised. The Shield now exists at the season’s fringes, ceding prime summer months to the Big Bash League. Matches are played on green, sporty surfaces designed for quick results rather than the cultivation of Test-level technique.

The financial incentives tell their own story. Players can earn more in six weeks of T20 than they do for a year grinding through the Shield. As Mickey Arthur once warned, “That’s the wrong way round.” When the craft of Test cricket pays less — in money, in prestige, in development — the craft withers.

England’s Ascendancy

England, by contrast, are in a golden era, buttressed by coherent planning and a domestic structure still tethered to the rhythms of first-class cricket. Lord’s became a showcase for their adaptability. Joe Root’s 180 was a masterclass in calculated patience morphing into expansive dominance. Graeme Swann’s spin, timed to perfection on a wearing surface, became the decisive weapon.

Even without major contributions from Alastair Cook or Kevin Pietersen, England dismantled Australia with almost clinical detachment. They have now won four Ashes Tests in a row, and the urn — already halfway retained — seems beyond realistic threat.

Symbolism in Defeat

Australia’s manner of losing at Lord’s was more telling than the margin — a record-equalling sixth consecutive Test defeat. Clarke, the captain, remains the side’s solitary world-class batsman, yet even he seems a man stranded between eras: too talented to be swallowed by mediocrity, too isolated to change it. The support cast — Watson’s familiar lbw exits, Hughes’ loose strokes, Khawaja’s premature aggression — reflects a side unsure of its own method.

Off the field, the picture is no less fractured. The public spat between sacked coach Mickey Arthur and Cricket Australia, the petty distractions of player disputes, and the constant hum of corporate spin all point to a system in disarray.

Lord’s as Judgement Day

For Australia, Lord’s was not just a cricket ground but a court of reckoning. In 2005, Ponting’s Australians celebrated here with raucous dominance. In 2013, Clarke’s Australians left humbled, their inadequacies exposed in the harshest light — at the home of cricket, in front of the world, on a pitch that asked questions they no longer seemed equipped to answer.

England, meanwhile, did not need to shout their superiority. Root’s grin after reaching his hundred, the quiet handshakes in the middle, Swann’s wry celebrations — all of it spoke of a side that knows its own strength.

The heatwave at Lord’s revealed more than sweat and sunburn. It showed a game tilting on its axis: England, precise and unflustered; Australia, flailing for a method, a structure, a future. Cricket’s cycles are long, but as the shadows lengthened on that fourth day, it felt less like a blip for Australia and more like the closing of an era.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

To Become The Best, County Cricket Still Remains The Best Option

 

Bangladeshi cricket fans are eagerly awaiting the chance to see their two cricketing icons—Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal—compete in the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL) starting July 30. Shakib, a dynamic all-rounder, will represent Barbados under the leadership of West Indian power-player Kieron Pollard, while the ever-resilient Tamim will don the Saint Lucia colours, captained by the charismatic Darren Sammy.

For many, the CPL represents an exciting showcase of cricketing skill, but as alluring as these leagues are, there are concerns regarding their impact on developing the skill, temperament, and resilience essential for a sustainable international career—especially for players from emerging cricket nations like Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. For such teams, the focus on longer-format cricket is often regarded as crucial to foster well-rounded, seasoned players capable of handling the pressures of top-tier competition. Thus, while franchise leagues may offer substantial financial incentives and exposure, they do not necessarily nurture the foundational strengths of a cricketer. Instead, if Bangladeshi players were to secure opportunities to play more first-class cricket, particularly in England's county circuit, they could experience a more transformative journey toward cricketing excellence.

The county circuit, rich with history and tradition, provides a structured environment that rigorously tests a player’s technical proficiency, adaptability, and mental strength. The testing pitches and varying weather conditions demand adjustments to a batsman’s patience and a bowler’s persistence, ensuring that every match presents an opportunity for growth. Playing in the county championships has famously helped cricketers hone their craft, turning promising players into consistent performers on the world stage. In recent years, however, a trend toward shorter-format leagues has left fewer modern players interested in the commitment and intensity required by county cricket.

From Bangladesh's perspective, a robust season with a first-division county team could be transformative. Domestic cricket in Bangladesh has been hindered by logistical issues and a lack of competitive matches, potentially fostering complacency rather than growth. Engaging in county cricket would provide Bangladeshi players with a higher level of competition and regular, quality gameplay, which is critical for their development. This environment could benefit players like Shakib, and Tamim, or even promising talents such as Nasir Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Anamul Haque, should they secure opportunities to play in this esteemed setting.

Shakib’s past stint with Worcestershire in 2010 exemplifies how county cricket can shape a cricketer’s potential into tangible achievements. Worcestershire, reeling from a winless 2009 season and relegation to Division 2, sought Shakib to invigorate the squad. Joining the ranks of cricket legends like Imran Khan, Ian Botham, and Kapil Dev, who had previously played for Worcestershire, Shakib did not disappoint. He began his campaign with a composed 90 against Derbyshire and later blasted a brisk 72 against the Unicorns in a limited-overs game. His all-around prowess was evident across formats, as he amassed 398 runs in eight first-class matches and added 187 more in just five limited-overs appearances.

Yet it was Shakib’s bowling that truly dazzled. His skilful left-arm spin consistently stifled opponents; a standout performance of 8 for 102 against Gloucestershire underscored his versatility and impact. His 7 for 23 against Middlesex and 4 for 32 against Glamorgan in one-day games cemented him as a vital asset for Worcestershire that season. Shakib’s 35 wickets in eight first-class games and nine in limited overs underscored his adaptability to county cricket’s demanding conditions. His record-breaking efforts played a pivotal role in Worcestershire’s eventual promotion to Division 1—a feat that would have been unimaginable at the start of the season.

The tenacity and adaptability Shakib honed in county cricket undoubtedly shaped him into the world-class all-rounder who remains Bangladesh’s lynchpin. Sadly, his involvement with county teams since then has been limited to T20 leagues, a trend also observed with Tamim. The focus on shorter formats may limit the growth of talents who would otherwise thrive in the discipline of county championships, forging greater consistency and resilience.

County cricket’s rich history of producing cricketing stalwarts attests to its developmental benefits, which players from Bangladesh could greatly benefit from. Nasir, Mushfiqur, and Anamul, too, could gain valuable insights and skill improvements by experiencing the rigours of a full county season. Such exposure could bolster Bangladesh’s core and cultivate a future generation of cricketers adept at the technical and mental demands of international cricket.

In today’s cricketing landscape, while franchise leagues provide fame and fortune, it is through the long, unglamorous grind of county cricket that a player’s mettle is truly tested and refined. For Bangladeshi players, it remains a pathway not only to personal excellence but to a more competitive national team.

 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar