When Bangladesh grabbed the world's attention
Hammad Ali, writing for bdnews24.com, argues against Shakib Al Hasan's defence of Bangladesh's performances in the World T20 after the captain had suggested that the fans should not have had so much expectations in the first place
07-Apr-2014
Hammad Ali, writing for bdnews24.com, argues against Shakib Al Hasan's defence of Bangladesh's performances in the World T20 after the former captain had suggested that the fans should not have had so much expectations in the first place.
Maybe Shakib does not realise a few things. First of all, maybe he needs to let it sink in that every time he steps out to the field, he is carrying all the hopes and aspirations of 160 million people, for many of whom a victory by the cricket team is the biggest happiness they feel in their everyday lives. In a nation that is torn and bruised and hurting in so many ways, a game of cricket still unites us, makes us whisper a little prayer, and drown in ecstasy when the winning stroke is played, or the opponent's last wicket captured. If Shakib realised this, I doubt he could be as heartless as to say that these people have no right to expect much from the team they affectionately call the Tigers.
Bangladesh may have had a disappointing tournament themselves, but the nation was not lacking a carnival atmosphere during the World T20, writes Naimul Karim for the Daily Star.
From packed stadiums and the late-night hangouts in the brightly-lit capital to CNG-drivers working lesser hours and the 'char chhokka hoi hoi' ring-tone blaring from innumerable mobile phones, the last three weeks proved exactly why Bangladesh deserved to host the ICC World Twenty20; for this was not just a cricket tournament but a festival that the people of this country ingrained into their lifestyle and celebrated with immense vigour. Whether it was dancing to the West Indian tune at the stadium or merely having a good time with friends and family, there was something in it for almost everyone.