Also read: Mashud: I was a more attacking batsman early in my career
There are less spectators in the Dhaka Premier League these days. Why is that?I played DPL since 1984. In those days, gallery was full. That time we did not have money but players were hungry to perform better for themselves and also for the development of cricket. But nowadays, there are lots of money involved in the DPL. But unfortunately, spectators are not there in the field. There are some reasons. People get fewer facilities in fields like foods or other things. Whenever matches are being hosted at BKSP or Fatullah, there are no such facilities available. Only two teams go there. We played at Bangabandhu National Stadium and Abahani ground. There were lots of spectators there. We need to increase more fields. Mirpur Stadium is okay. But we need to start cricket in Bangabandhu National Stadium as well. We played there for years. During that time, both cricket and football were played there in the same year. If Bangabandhu National Stadium is open for DPL cricket again along with the other grounds then I think spectators will increase.You were the main left-arm spinner in the side back in those days. Later, many spinners, especially left-armers, donned the red and green jersey. Any plans to work with them?I always want to work with young players. Even when I was a running player I informed the management that I want to work with young bowlers in future. But that never happened. I tried several times. But no significant offer came from the board or management. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxp4vI08F-cYou were the highest wicket-taker in both Tests and ODIs. How did you see this?Records are made to be broken one day. We played very less cricket than the current team. We probably played Asia Cup once after every three years. These days, Bangladesh play almost 60-70 matches in around three years. So these days I could have played more matches. I was the first Bangladesh bowler to take 100 wickets in both Tests and ODIs. These records will stay forever. No one will overtake me as the first 100 wicket-taker, even after 500 years (smiles).You have bowled long spells in your Test career. What was the key behind bowling long spells?Actually a bowler has to do a lot of practice and must have determination for such habit. If you play a Test and want to bowl a long spell then you have to plan and take preparation in order to bowl around 40 overs per day. You have to be mentally tough to do that. Proper preparation is important for a bowler. Whenever I played for the national team or domestic cricket, I always tried to come to the field early to prepare myself personally.Any particular player you found it tough to dismiss?There are quite a few. But I must say, I haven't seen many batsmen like Minhajul Abedin Nannu and Aminul Islam Bulbul. They were so much talented. Their reading of the game was superb. They were match-winners.Which international wicket do you cherish the most?Once I bowled Ricky Ponting in a match. He left the ball and it kissed the off stump. The bail was dislodged by the wicket-keeper but just before that, he was bowled. I think that was a memorable one.