The empty stands at the Mirpur Cricket Stadium during the first Test against Sri Lanka are extremely disappointing, not only for those who follow Bangladesh cricket, but also for those who are engaged in the middle.
This was not the case when we played our last Test series against the Kiwis not too long ago. It is a clear sign of their frustration with Bangladesh cricket, which I hope does not convert into rejection. With all the controversies circling in the global cricketing arena, now is the time for the fans to show their strength in full force by turning up for the matches.
At the same time, the blokes in cricketing flannels need to gather themselves, harness their energy, and focus on the job at hand, which is to play competitive cricket. Unfortunately, the result is going to give the critics of Bangladesh cricket added ammo to fuel the fire against our cricket.
The BCB administrators need to understand the value and power of its vote, but first of all, they need to understand the value and strength of the fanbase that ranges from a five-year-old to an 80-year-old, regardless of religion, gender, or occupation.
This is a huge bonus, which the BCB has failed to take advantage of. Bangladesh carries a powerful vote that may be a pivotal one in the ICC, and not to use this wisely would be a sin. Both India and Pakistan understood the power of this vote a long time ago, and hence the strategic move to upgrade Bangladesh’s status in international cricket.
Mr Najmul Hassan has been applauded by his board on getting verbal assurances from the “self-styled Big Three” on the abandonment of the two-tier Test system followed by a proposed offer to play Test matches against the three at home and away.
The question is, whether this promissory note is a bait to secure the vote or not. They spoke about guarantees too. All three (ECB, CA, and BCCI) have extremely busy schedules that are set up years ahead. Matches against Bangladesh will only happen if they have slots available for us, and hence my suspicion.
If the ICC decides to abandon the proposal of the two-tier Test plan, then as it is, our Test match playing status remains unchanged. The proposed promise made by the Big Three to Bangladesh then becomes somewhat redundant.
BCB should try to beef up the cricketing relationship with the countries outside of the Big Three, and immediately start working on establishing Test match tours against them. I think it will benefit our cricket a great deal more if we rely on the other members to give us confirmed Test series on a more frequent basis. We don’t have to play the Big Three to improve our cricket.
Meanwhile, my message to the players is quite simple. No administrator can do as much for the game as you can do through your performance. If you want the fans to fill the stands, then you need to play with mental strength, and prove to them that you are worth cheering for.
Play for the logo on the front of your shirt, and not the name on the back. As I have mentioned many times, our fans are some of the most passionate one can imagine. They remind me of the football fans of Europe and Latin America. Only you can bring them back.