Javed Omar Belim, the former opener of Bangladesh who played 40 Test matches and 49 ODIs for the Tigers, is now playing for Acme Rajshahi Masters in the Masters Cricket Carnival, being held in Cox’s Bazar.
The veteran right-hander shared his thoughts on life after cricket, MCC experience, national team career and coaching memories, among other topics.
Here are the excerpts:
You have played so many years in the national level. Now you are playing in the MCC. How is it going at the moment?Huge difference between playing days and these days. There were a lot of pressure during my professional playing career. In this tournament, there is a lot of fun involved. But still, I think some sort of pressure is here as well as I have to perform well (smiles).
Belim played alongside both the Iqbal brothers, Tamim and Nafees
COURTESYYou spent a lot of years on the field and retired a few years ago. Do you miss cricket?I always miss playing cricket. Winning moment in the dressing room is what I miss the most as I was the most enjoyable person in the changing room. I also miss that moment when thousands of fans chanted my name “Javed, Javed” while returning to the dressing room after playing a good innings. That moment was incredible. When Shakib [al Hasan] or Tamim [Iqbal] played good innings I also give them standing ovation and clap and I try to realise how much I used to enjoy those moments.
Any regrets from your cricket career?I felt a lot of pressure while playing. I myself created that pressure. That was excess for me. I thought cricket was everything for me. Now I realise cricket is just a part of life. I am satisfied over what I have achieved but if I had played with less pressure then my career would have been better. I could have scored more runs. I was given the role of anchoring the innings. I took it seriously. Now I realise that I could have played with more freedom as there were other batsmen in the team. So I think I should have played cricket with less pressure.
Do you want your son to become a cricketer?I believe it is important to become a good human being. If he plays cricket then OK but he should play with less pressure. Whatever he does in his life I want him to do it with full heart.
'With due respect to all coaches, I think Eddie Barlow was the most influential coach for me,' says Belim
AFPWhat is your most memorable innings for the Tigers?Obviously that 43 against Zimbabwe. It was the second Test in that series against visiting Zimbabwe. It was a series-deciding match. Me and Nafees [Iqbal] scripted a 133-run opening partnership. We batted almost 83 overs together. Nafees eventually scored a century and I played 258 balls during my 43-run knock. It was important, according to the context of the game. We were able to draw the match and clinch the series. This was our first ever Test series win. So that patient knock was the most memorable innings of my national career.
You coached Rangpur Riders last year. Do you have any plans to pursue coaching in the near future?Of course I have plans to become a coach in future. That’s why I completed Level one and two coaching course. But the decision rests with the BCB as they will use me and my experience in coaching. I will be happy if I get the chance to represent and serve my country more. I was the head coach of Rangpur Riders. I want to share my 25 years of DPL (Dhaka Premier League) experience with the young players.
Any particular coach who had influence on you?I have played under 10-12 coaches in my career. It started from 1989 to 2008. I started with Mudassar Nazar and ended with Jamie Siddons. With due respect to all coaches, I think Eddie Barlow was the most influential coach for me. I believe Eddie Barlow has changed Bangladesh cricket in terms of cricket structure, first-class cricket and the board policy. He had a great impact.