The Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah was overwhelmed by the response of the local cricket lovers when Bangladesh Cricket Board XI faced visiting Zimbabwe in their only tour game yesterday.
Approximately 75% of the stands were filled on the regular working day in Narayanganj although tickets were priced at Taka fifty and hundred for the 50-over practice game.
Speaking to a few from the crowd it was clear how disheartened they are by Cricket Australia’s decision of not to tour the country citing security reasons. Australia, who cancelled their tour last month, were scheduled to play a warm-up game in Fatullah.
“I was eagerly waiting to watch the Australian team play in front of my eyes here in Fatullah. I was shocked to see them cancel the tour, but look Zimbabwe came to our country now and we are happy to see any international team playing at our home. I hope there will be no problem in future and we want all the teams to visit our country,” said Monayem Rashid, a college student who went to the stadium yesterday to watch his idol Mashrafe bin Mortaza play.
Although it was a practice game yesterday, the atmosphere and enthusiasm among the crowd was nothing short of an international flavour.