Former Bangladesh right-hander
Aftab Ahmed is often considered the most attacking Tigers batsman of his generation. He has played 16 Tests, 85 ODIs and 11 T20Is for the Tigers. He was the coach of Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited in the recently concluded Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League 2016-17 season and also operates a cricket academy in his hometown of Chittagong. In an exclusive interview with
Dhaka Tribune, Aftab shared some thoughts regarding his playing career, cricket academy, future plans and Bangladesh cricket, among other topics. Here is the first half of the interview where Aftab recollected memories of his playing career.
You called it a day three years ago. Do you think it was early days as the likes of Rajin Saleh, Nafees Iqbal, Mohammad Ashraful, Nazimuddin and Enamul Haque Jr, among others, are still playing. Any regrets in that regard?Not really. When I left cricket in 2014, I encountered some difficulties to find a team in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League. I thought since I played at the top level, I should maintain my standard as a player. That’s why I retired and I think it was the right time for me.
You were part of a promising age-level team. Where do you think you lagged behind as many of them are still playing?Definitely I made some mistakes. Probably ICL (the defunct Indian Cricket League) was a big problem for me. After playing the ICL, we could not practise or get involved in any cricketing activities for a year. I was brought down to earth from the sky in that one year. After the ban was lifted, I should have done more hard work. I should have given 110-120% effort. But probably I gave 80%. That was my mistake and it pegged me back more. I was mentally down at that time. During 2003-08, when I was in the national team, I had all the facilities available to me. I did whatever I wanted to do. But after the ICL and loss of a year, I got demotivated and faced a lack of confidence. Maybe these were the reasons.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xADRy0sIOY4
So you believe playing the ICL was a mistake?Yes, of course. Actually at that time, just prior to the ICL offer, my finger got broken. Bangladesh were touring Australia then. As my finger was broken, I could not bat. But my leg was okay. So I was instructed to do a lot of running and gym session at that time. And I got frustrated during that period. Even though I was left out of the team due to injury, I still ran every day. As everyone knows, I was a bit lazy and did not want to do much hard work. At one point, I thought I should leave cricket. Just after my injury was healed, at that moment the ICL offer came. And I was like “wow”. Considering my laziness and frustration, it was the perfect offer for me. Just play one or two months of cricket and spend the rest of the 10 months as vacation. So I took the decision of joining the ICL in a rush of blood. Now I realise that it was a big mistake in my career.
Also Read: Part 2: National players should not practise on concrete pitches, says Aftab
Do you miss T20 cricket?Yes. I miss T20 a lot. Because my batting style was suited to T20. Even in ODIs, I batted in T20 mode. T20 became popular when I ended my career. So definitely I miss T20 cricket.
Do you recall the memories of your run-a-ball 82 in the Chester-le-Street Test against England? How did you plan your innings?There was no particular game plan. In the second innings when I went out to bat, [Andrew] Flintoff was bowling. Then came Simon Jones, [Steve] Harmison and [Matthew] Hoggard. They were all top-class bowlers and in great form back then. The wicket and condition were pace-bowling friendly. So I decided to play my natural game rather than just try to survive against them. I pulled for a six against Flintoff. And after that, I was determined that if I get any delivery in my zone then I will try to score rather than just defend.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96DVJU2j7jk
Any favourite ODI innings of yours that comes to mind?That short innings against Australia in Cardiff, particularly that six against [Jason] Gillespie, was memorable. I think a lot more people recognise me after that sixer (smiles). But there were some special innings, like when I scored a 21-ball 32 against Sri Lanka in Bogra. We had won that match. I scored 62 against India and also won. Those innings were memorable. Another innings was against South Africa in a T20I, I scored a 14-ball 36. Smashed back-to-back sixes against Makhaya Ntini. That was memorable too.
You got off to many promising starts as a batsman but later got out. Do you think you did justice to your potential?Not at all. I only have an average of 24 in ODIs. It should have been 35 at least. I scored many 20s and 30s. Those innings should have been carried through 90s and hundreds. Maybe it was a lack of concentration from my point of view. I always thank Dav Whatmore and Jamie Siddons for letting me play my natural, attacking game throughout my career. But I should have worked more in order to carry my innings further. Many times I got out in the mid 30s or 40s. Actually, the bowlers did not take the wicket, rather I gifted them. So I think I should have worked more to sort it out.
What's the story behind you wearing a Bangladesh flag in your head under your helmet?Actually I used a blue scarf at first. Then I thought, we are playing for Bangladesh and the nation. So why not show more emotion and respect to the country? We received small national flags from the team. And I started to use it under my helmet while batting. I got positive response from everyone. I also felt more excited when I realised that my country’s flag is on my head. So overall, it was done emotionally.
Did you follow anyone while growing up?Sachin Tendulkar. I tried to copy him. Since my childhood I followed him like nothing else. I always tried to play like him. But Sachin is Sachin, it is impossible to play like him (smiles).