ZCZC
BSP-19
CRIKCET-COACH-ALTAF
Eminent coach Syed Altaf Hossain no more
DHAKA, Feb 27, 2019 (BSS)- The eminent cricket figure Syed Altaf Hossain, credited as being the first cricket coach of independent Bangladesh, breathed his last on Tuesday evening at his residence in Dhaka.
He was 81.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Nazmul Hassan Papon, MP, has expressed deep shock and bereavement at the death of Altaf.
Papon, in a condolence message today, said: “We have lost an architect who had shaped the return of cricket in Bangladesh following the independence in 1971. Syed Altaf Hossain had the most pleasant personality and was respected by all for his selfless commitment to our cricket.”
“On behalf of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, I extend heartfelt condolences to the family of Syed Altaf Hossain and prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.” he said, adding that Altaf’s contribution to Bangladesh cricket will never be forgotten.
In an illustrious sports career Syed Altaf Hossain was most famed for his role as a cricket coach. However, as a player he is on record as being the first cricketer from erstwhile East Pakistan to get selected for a Test squad when he was named in the 15-member Pakistan side for the first Test against New Zealand in 1965. He was also a top-rated umpire with the experience of officiating in first class matches.
Altaf Hossain became a cricket coach with the National Sports Council in 1973 and played a pioneering role in the re-emergence of the game in Bangladesh in the period following the War of Liberation. Apart from being coach of the National side in representative matches, he was the Head Coach of the Bangladesh National Team in the 1990’s Asia Cup tournament.
Under his guidance women’s cricket started its journey in the country with a tour by Abahani Krira Chakra to West Bengal in 1982. From 1996 to 2007, he worked closely with the Bangladesh Cricket Board in creating a base for talented women cricketers. For his service to Bangladesh cricket, he received the National Sports Award in 1999.
BSS/SG/SSS/1844 hrs