ZCZC
BSP-26
CRICKET-SOUMYA-SHADMAN
Cricketers making efforts to come out trauma
DHAKA, March 18, 2019 (BSS)- Leaving behind the deadly terror attack in New Zealand, several national players joined their respective domestic club to play the fourth round of the Dhaka Premier League (DPL), which starts tomorrow at different venues across the city.
At least two players-Soumya Sarkar and Shadman Islam who survived the terrorist attack in a Mosque in Christchurch confirmed their participation in the league.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) allowed them to be with their family to recover from the unexpected shock following the shootout in Christchurch, which killed 50 people and injured several others.
The long conversation between Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and Soumya Sarkar at different point of the practice only suggested the former was trying his level best to provide some word of encouragement to the latter so that he can get over the trauma as soon as possible.
”I think the best way for them to get over the trauma is by returning to the cricket field,” Mashrafe told BSS after the practice session at the Sher-e Bangla National Stadium today.
”Because if you lock yourself at home and don’t talk to people than there is hardly any way you can get over it,” he said.
”So I requested Soumya to start his DPL campaign soon. It is up to him to make the final call,” he added.
When contacted, Soumya confirmed BSS about his participation and echoed the same sentiment expressed by team mate Mashrafe.
“I have decided to play for Abahani tomorrow because that is probably the only way to get out of what happened in Christchurch,” said Soumya.
‘‘ Those entire thing are coming up when I am staying at home alone,” he said, whose family remains far away in Sathkhira while he lives alone in Dhaka to complete different assignments as a cricketer.
Bangladesh players escaped the terrorist attack as they were about to enter one of the Mosques, which the terrorist targeted. Following the incident, that left the whole world shocked, the series concluding third Test was called off and the visiting team left the country on Saturday morning.
BCB president Nazmul Hassan welcomed the players and the support staff at the airport and advised them to take some time out from cricket and spend with their families.
Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam’s father Shahidul Islam, who is working in the BCB game development, believe staying home is only putting pressure on his son. He therefore allows his son to return to the cricket field.
”I asked him to play immediately because it was clearly visible that he is under pressure at home as lot of our relatives are asking him various questions regarding that incident,” said Shahidul. ”He is clearly not comfortable with it.”
Due to his back trouble, Shadman is however not sure to play the tomorrow’s match as his side Shinepurkur Cricket Club will take on Abahani Limited.
”I am not sure whether I will be able to play tomorrow as there is back pain but it is all but certain that I will be available afterward for the other remaining fixtures,” said Sadman. I think cricket can be our biggest healer,” he added.
Other team officials are also trying to convince their national stars to take part in the DPL for their respective teams.
”We are not sure about Mahmudullah but we are hopeful that Taijul Islam will play for us,” said Sheikh Jamal coach Shohel Islam.
Abahani Limited will take on Shinepukur at Fatullah while Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club will face off Prime Bank Club at BKSP 3 tomorrow.
In the day’s other match Mohammedan Sporting Club will lock horns with Legend of Rupganj at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
BSS/SMP/SPL/SMM/1820 hrs