Bangladesh cricket team's iconic supporter Shoaib Ali is set to cheer for his team in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup.
Shoaib's dream came true with support from Seven Rings Cement via Bangladesh ODI captain Tamim Iqbal.
Seven Rings Cement is supporting Shoaib with the finances.
Better known as Tiger Shoaib, he is a Bangladesh cricket team fan who paints his body to resemble the Tiger and attends most home matches, screaming all day from the grandstand at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
Car mechanic by profession, Shoaib has travelled to India, Sri Lanka, England and Zimbabwe over the last nine years to support the Bangladesh team.
“India has a cricket fan – Sudhir Kumar. You will see him travelling around the world to support the Indian team. He is a big supporter of Sachin Tendulkar and Sachin personally ensured Sudhir’s fundings. I do not support a particular cricketer in Bangladesh team but I thought if there is anyone who can help me, is Tamim bhai,” said Shoaib to Dhaka Tribune Sunday.
“I met Tamim bhai at Mirpur Stadium and told him that I need support to go to Oman and the UAE for the T20 World Cup. He did not take a minute to think and phoned a high-up in Seven Rings Cement and requested them to sponsor me. I later met Seven Rings’ officials and now preparing to go to the middle-eastern counties to support my country. Tamim bhai made my dream come true and a big thanks to Seven Rings Cement for supporting me,” Sohaib added.
Bangladesh cricket team departed Dhaka for Muscat Sunday night.
Oman has been hit by tropical cyclone Shaheen and initially there was some confusion regarding the flight schedule but Bangladesh team eventually departed for Muscat .
The tourists will have a practice camp in Muscat before travelling to the UAE for the official practice games against Sri Lanka and Ireland on October 12 and 14 respectively.
Bangladesh will begin their T20 World Cup campaign by playing the qualifiers first.
Bangladesh in the first phase of the competition have been slotted in Group B with co-hosts Oman, Papua New Guinea and Scotland.
In the first game of round one, Bangladesh will take on Scotland on October 17 at Al Amerat Cricket Stadium in Muscat.
Bangladesh will then face Oman and Papua New Guinea on October 19 and 21 respectively at the same venue.
