In a cricket-mad country like Bangladesh, the sight of a cricketer practising in a field is a common scene for any passer-by walking past a ground. But, when one observes a disabled guy giving his best effort during a fielding session, one is bound to cast a glance again.
Julhas was fielding at Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club ground during a practice session of the Bangladesh Physically Challenged cricket team who are preparing for the upcoming Asia Cup, scheduled for next month.
Enthusiasm amongst the physically challenged cricketers during the training session portrayed their endless passion for cricket. The Physically Challenged side represented Bangladesh in a cricket tournament in India last year and was later rewarded by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for their outstanding achievements.
Ever since his childhood, Julhas had to rely on a crutch for walking and other purposes as he had one good leg. He is an all-rounder by trait and it is no surprise that his favourite cricketer is another all-rounder, Shakib al Hasan. The 22-year old Julhas is the youngest son of his family and is currently working at a mobile servicing shop in Uttara. His father is a carpenter while his mother is a housewife.
“I work in a mobile servicing shop for my living and play cricket whenever I get the chance. I heard about a team of physically challenged cricketers and I thought I can be a part of this team. So, I came here. I cannot rely on cricket for my living so I have to work. But, it is the love for the game which could not stop me from playing cricket,” Julhas told Dhaka Tribune yesterday.
While everyone’s attention is towards Mashrafe bin Mortaza and Co with the 2015 ICC World Cup knocking at the door, Julhas and his teammates will quietly go about their job.
AKM Jashimuddin on the other hand is an unsung hero of the team. He is the coach of the side but does not receive any financial assistance to train the disabled cricket team. It proves he is only administering the side for the love of the game.
“I do not get paid to train this team but still I am here only because of cricket. For my living I work as a coach in a school and receive a very small amount as a district coach of the Bangladesh Cricket Board. I have been training this team for two years now,” Jashimuddin told Dhaka Tribune yesterday.
“If this team get better financial support and proper facilities I think this team have the ability to go a long way. As we all have families and everyone wants to contribute and support their parents, they also have to work which is the biggest hurdle for them to continue playing cricket,” he added.
Former national captain Akram Khan was the one who came forward to support the disabled cricketers. Akram managed funds from a financial organisation which is now the main source of income for the Physically Challenged cricket team.
But, if the BCB recognises these cricketers and provides them financial support, many more disabled players like Julhas can realise their dream of representing their country.