Bangladesh cricket team will be accorded a hero’s welcome when they set foot in Dhaka today.
The Tigers may not have won the 2015 World Cup of cricket but they have certainly won the millions of hearts at home by means of their heroic performance.
The Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, therefore, is likely to be filled with thousands of Bangladesh supporters who will be eagerly waiting to embrace their heroes.
The Tigers went into the World Cup on the back of a disappointing 2014 when they suffered morale-shattering defeats against associates Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Many doubted whether Bangladesh would be able to overcome the first round hurdle.
However, much to the surprise of the fans, among the most passionate bunches in the world, the Tigers stormed into the quarter-finals for the very first time in history.
The most memorable moment in the group stages was the historic 15-run win over England which sealed a premature exit for the inventors of the game.
Hopes and expectations were high when the Tigers locked horns with defending champions India in the second quarter-final but controversial umpiring decisions brought Bangladesh’s campaign to a grinding halt.
Consequently, the Tigers received sympathies and messages of support from all across the globe.
Bangladesh Cricket Board’s Media Committee Chairman Jalal Younus told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday that most of the board directors and officials will be present at the airport to give the Tigers a reception to remember.
“I do not remember any other moment that has made the country so proud in recent times. In fact, I believe the World Cup achievement is the most memorable in Bangladesh’s sports history. They deserve a hero’s welcome,” said Jalal.
The BCB director also said the Tigers will be felicitated soon for their World Cup performance.
“The board president [Nazmul Hasan] will come back to the country after the World Cup final. So, we cannot do anything before his return. We have plans to arrange a felicitation programme. It will be a grand occasion for sure,” he said.
Besides the fans, board directors and officials, several organisations, supporters’ groups and corporate houses have already announced that they will be present at the airport to welcome the cricketers.
Bangladesh Cricket Supporters’ Association said more than 100 of their members will be waiting for their heroes with placards and festoons while BD Cyclists, a group of pro-cycling campaigners, has arranged a cycle ride to receive the heroes.