Fourteen years ago, I set foot at the historical Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata for the very first time in my life. I was a member of the Bangladesh Under-15 cricket team and we were up against the Cricket Association of Bengal U-15 side.
It was like a dream come true for each and every single member of the Bangladesh U-15 team. Back then, the side comprised the likes of Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal, Shakib al Hasan and Sohrawardi Shuvo and of course, myself.
It was a surreal feeling while walking through the corridor of Eden Gardens. When we headed towards the dressing room, we noticed pictures of many great players hanging proudly on the walls.
And when we did make our way to the dressing room, we were barely able to conceal our excitement as we knew countless greats have previously graced their presence right at the very place where we were sitting.
Although I was not able to make it through to the senior side due to various reasons, the fact that my friends and fellow team mates are now playing in the national side is something I am extremely proud of.
With the passage of time, I have switched from a cricketer to a sports journalist. Hence, I got one more opportunity to relive the Eden Gardens memory as I am here to cover the flagship event on behalf of my newspaper.
The Tigers last played at Eden Gardens in 1990 so it was virtually the first visit for every Bangladeshi journalist to the historical venue. This was also the first time I made my way to the press box.
Despite being in the press box, I could remember every nook and corner of the stadium. The huge stands surrounding the lush green field made me nostalgic and took me back to 2002 when I played for my country, be it for the U-15 side.
However, unlike last time, I did not have the access to enter the ground as the sports journalists were allocated to work at the press box, which is almost five storeys above the players’ dressing room.
I might not have been allowed to enter the ground but I did not mind. I was just lapping in the Eden Gardens experience. I was watching my friends Shakib, Tamim and Mushfiq in action and I could proudly say to my fellow sports journalists that I played alongside the aforementioned trio at the historical venue.
My role has changed with time. I have hung up my boots and willow and taken up a laptop. But the memories of visiting Eden Gardens remain fresh in my mind and this is something I will treasure and cherish for the rest of my life.
