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Paper Tigers!

Wednesday, March 19 2003

The 2003 World Cup has seen the worst and probably, the reality of Bangladesh cricket. Their shocking defeat at the hands of nonprofessionals Canada, ten wicket battering at the hands of South Africa and Sri Lanka and the world record to Chaminda Vaas are the true reflection of the state of cricket in Bangladesh. The team would also most likely be remembered for their part in knocking out the West Indies from the World Cup via a drawn match at Benoni. They also lost to arch- rivals Kenya and New Zealand by lesser margins but their lack of commitment, a total loss of form and determination were all too evident.

Statistically, Bangladesh came in second from last at this World Cup. None of the batsmen could muster a hundred runs in the six matches, with the skipper being the highest aggregate scorer at 99. Mohammad Ashraful against New Zealand made only one score of fifty or above, Khaled Mahmud took highest six wickets for Bangladesh in the event, and Sanwar Hussain took the highest number of catches. Khaled Masud, the wicket keeper and the captain, took just two catches in the six matches. This shows that bowlers were ineffective and the fact that the skipper couldn’t grab hold of easy chances. Exactly a hundred runs were totaled by the three regular openers- Ehsanul, Hannan and Al- Shahriar (Ashraful wasn’t included as an opener).

There were rumors of discord within the team and some even said that the skipper was at the thick of the conflict. Petty matters like ticket allocation, stoppage at Dubai while leaving for Johannesburg were blown out of proportions by the management. An incompetent manager, an ordinary coach and an even ordinary team selection made it difficult for the team to perform. Statements made by the players before leaving the country were reminded every time the team lost, with the skipper’s prediction of defeating Canada and Kenya and causing an upset against West Indies being the favorite quote of the nation.

The BCB are running an inquiry of the debacle but almost everyone is aware of the fact that it’s their own fault when it comes to facilities, drawing the selectors, and the choice of a manager. The biggest problem for this tiny South Asian country is that Kenya is in the semi finals now and is looking way batter than them.


Posted by Isam