Give cricket its old venue (4 June 1999)

4 June 1999

Give cricket its old venue

Al-Amin

The stage is all set for a grandiose reception. The nation is eagerly awaiting the return of fifteen enfant-terribles who have ignited an unprecedented euphoria in Bangladesh by defeating Pakistan in the seventh World Cup at Northampton on Monday.

The National Parade Square is ready to host the heroes in a befitting way.

It is a poem of a success for the national cricket team, which took the world by surprise, comprehensively beating cricketing giants Pakistan by 62 runs. The victory was the greatest achievement in the annals of country's sports.

It is, however, not the first time that our cricketers have brought a rare smile on every face across the country, that is mostly known for its diverse affiliation, political instability, corruption and economic stagnation. Two years ago, the cricketers, perhaps the most prevailing ambassadors to uplift the demoralising image of a country like Bangladesh, united the whole nation in one platform to celebrate the great occasion by winning the ICC Trophy in Malaysia.

Although their victory over Kenya in the final on April 13, 1997, was upstaged by their stunning win against Pakistan because of the nature and stature of the opposition, but the appeal and the impact appeared as same as ever.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who also welcomed the victorious ICC team in a grand reception at Manik Miah Avenue, is likely to grace the National Parade Square showpiece today.

The whole caboodle of ministers, government high-ups, organisers and hundreds of thousands cricket-zealots are ready to salute Aminul's conquering team. Bangladesh Television will cover the program live.

Few might argue, but it is going to be a replay of the reception two years back. There might be a few changes in cast of characters, but one thing is for certain that emotional speeches, words of wisdom, hollow promises, announcement of cash awards would not be short supplied.

But, for those, who cherish the dream of gaining the international glory, the event is expected to match the demands of sports in general, and cricket in particular.

Over the years cricket had to struggle for its existence. It became the most popular sport in the country, when Bangladesh won the ICC Trophy. At that time it was expected that cricket should get a ground of its own. The mooted anticipation was that the Dhaka Stadium (Bangabandhu National Stadium), which was built exclusively for cricket in the fifties, should be quite righteously handed over to the cricket board. But it remained an apple of discord between the two rival boards, football and cricket, as the government, National Sports Council in particular, failed to feel pulse of the popular demand.

However, at least a stadium for the gentleman's game looked to be a reality when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (on April 14, 1997) proudly announced that a cricket stadium would be built at Moghbazar within a year amidst applause. But the promise of the premier was meant to be broken. No stadium was built at Moghbazar in two years. A vested quarter in the ruling party, who are alleged to have sabotaged the project in Moghbazar, came up with an ambitious plan of building a pair of stadiums for both football and cricket side by side at an awkward place like Fatulla. But their unrealistic plan to show the harmony in sporting arena is yet to be materialised. And the future of Bangladesh cricket remains uncertain as the NSC gave the authority of the Dhaka Stadium to football federation.

Few might claim that cricketers have got enough rewards, but they seem to forget that incentives are not rewards. A reward is something special. And a ground, most preferably the Bangabandhu National Stadium, will be the most appropriate reward for cricket.

Now another moment has come to evaluate cricket and cricketers, who have done the success-lorn nation immensely proud. And the premier, an ardent cricket fan, has got yet another big occasion to do justice to the promise she made earlier.

Source :: The Daily Star