Bangladesh cricket witnessed fascinating drama over the past 48 hours. Disgruntled captain of ODI team following loss in the rain-affected 1st match of the ODI series against Afghanistan surprisingly announced retirement through a press meet.
Such an announcement created a nationwide hue and cry. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, an ardent follower of Bangladesh cricket, invited Tamim to reach him through former captain and now MP Mashrafe Bin Murtaza. PM gave the patient hearing to Tamim. On her request, Tamim reversed his decision to retire but was given leave of absence for a month and a half to recover from a back injury, which he has been suffering for a while. He will be available to lead the team tigers in the ensuing Asia Cup and World Cup.
It is for the excellent performance of some leading players, including the fabulous five Mshrafe, Shakib, Tamim, Mushfique and Mahmudullah over the past decade, Bangladesh has grown into a force to reckon with in the international cricket arena. Sports loving Bangladeshis at home and abroad admire and adore them. But for reasons unknown to all, senior cricketers do not have a smooth relationship with BCB and the team management. There may be reasons which irked Tamim and made him make the hasty and emotional decision. An experienced professional with an excellent track record should not have made such a decision with only a few months left for two major international events.
On the other hand, BCB should not have led the smoke to grow to the ash of fire as senior players always became a target of head coach Chandika Hathurusingha. BCB should have managed it more professionally. Now that matters have been apparently settled through the interference of the highest level of the government does not auger well for the BCB. Hope the issue will be buried and not referred to at any level, as it will create bad breath. 
All appreciate that players commit their best in every match with a vision to brighten the country's image. Some are born talented, and others struggle to grow into good performers. Since 2007 world cup played in West Indies Mashrafe, Tamim, Shakib and Mushfique grew together and with Mahmudullah Riad made significant contributions either individually or collectively. Bangladesh is now considered a dark horse in the ODI tournament anywhere. Off late, the team started performing in test and T20 as well. Tamim Iqbal is arguably the best Bangladesh opening batsman scoring the highest number of runs in all formats. Off course, form does not always stay the same and suffers for different reasons. Tamim, for a while, is having fitness issues. He skipped a few series and retired from the T20 format. He is captain of the ODI team and continues playing test cricket. Bangladesh being in the top eight of the ICC ranking, is an automatic qualifier for CWC 2023, scheduled to be held in India in October 2023.
Bangladesh, with a bunch of the most experienced and skilled performers, are considered the tournament's dark horse. The sudden announcement of Tamim rocked the entire nation. Even ICC publications termed this as a big blow. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, known for her love and passion for the game, also witnessed the media reaction to Tamim's announcement. It was great that she found time in her busy schedule to invite Tamim through Mashrafee and could successfully persuade Tamim to revoke his decision.
It is all right; this has taken care of the immediate issue. But the reasons which led to Tamim reacting in such a way, Mashrafee and Mahmudullah doing the same in the past much be seriously looked into. BCB needs to be managing matters professionally. Players, through their excellent performances, turn into icons. They deserve respect and an ideal environment to retire at an appropriate time. After all, no one remains indispensable forever. Ok, PM has resolved the crisis for the time being. But the fumes that led to the fire must be tracked and extinguished. Captains must be allowed the freedom the position deserves to lead their charge without interference. None must dictate. After all, the captain has to deliver through his players. The paid coaching staff must not be allowed to cross their battery limits. BCB administration must also behave responsibly. Let us hope Bangladesh cricket will not witness such an unpalatable situation again. Media, whether print, electronic or social, must also act responsibly giving all devils their due.
BDST: 1000 HRS, JULY 08, 2023
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