Javed Omar Belim in his playing career of 59 ODIs and 40 Tests received many a match fee, but the match fee he received yesterday at the Sahara BCB Academy field will remain a special one. The reason is it will be the last match fee of his playing career and its uniqueness was it was collected by national pacer Mashrafe bin Moratza to honour Javed Omer in his retirement match.
Javed called it a day in a match between the Legends of Bangladesh and Bangladesh Sports Journalists Association XI. To soak Javed with the warmth of their heart, former national stars Mehrab Hossain Opee, Habibul Bahsar Shumon, Sanwar Hossain, Enamul Haque Moni, Khaled Masud Pilot, Khaled Mahmud Shujon, Aminul Islam Bulbul, Hasibul Hossain Shanto, Niamur Rashid Rahul, Morshed Ali Khan Shumon, Mizanur Rahman Babul and Hasanuzzaman Jhoru and Mashrafe bin Mortaza featured in the Legends of Bangladesh.
Chief selector Faruk Ahmed, current national opener Tamim Iqbal, BCB director Jalal Yunus, former national pacer Monjurul Islam were also present on the occasion.
Javed was overwhelmed by the occasion. “I thought that I would retire for a premier cricket club but for some complications, it did not happen. To be frank I was frustrated with it. But today I think I have found all the love from my fellow players and to be frank from the media - it was unbelievable to obtain such compliments from all the media,” said Javed.
Javed, a fitness fanatic, showed that he still possesses the hunger with a 40 run innings as the opener. He may also enjoying his fitness level as current selector Habibul Bashar and Sanwar Hossain showed a lack of touch as they got out cheaply. Powered by Khaled Mahmud Shujon’s 67, Khaled Masud’s 53, Aminul Islam Bulbul’s 27 and Mashrafe’s 41, Javed’s team posted 281/6 in the stipulated 20 overs. Md Isam grabbed two wickets while Raihan Mahmood, Reazur Rahman Rohan and Saeeduzzman all grabbed one wicket each.
BSJA responded well, riding on a fighting 106 by Reazur Rahman Rohan, but the score was too big to acquire and the efforts of Mazharuddin who scored 20, Asif Iqbal’s 21 and Tarek Mahmud’s 12 took the score to 188/6. Khaled Mahmud, Habibul Bashar, Sanwar Hossain and Mashrafe all captured one wicket each.
Javed in the eye of former national captains:
Faruk Ahmed Javed was always totally committed to his job. His commitment was exemplary.
Aminul Islam Bulbul His hunger to excel with hard work should be followed by the upcoming cricketers.
Habibul Bashar He raised his standards through hard work; his hard working philosophy can be the role model of the youngsters.
Khaled Mahmud Determination was the key word for Javed. He was always determined to put his best and perfect team man.