Photo: Collected
The Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium has witnessed many great matches but today’s atmosphere had a separate charm with the final of the Physically Challenged Cricket Tournament being played here. The likes of Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal have many inspiring performances at this ground and being in the hunting ground of their heroes was a valuable memory for the cricketers who have overcome numerous hurdles to get here.
Bangladesh Cricket Association won by 53 runs against Unisurv Disable Cricket Team of Bangladesh in the final on Thursday with BCB president Nazmul Hassan distributing prizes at the end of the match.
Doprom Potro Nobish, nicknamed Tirtho, and Mahfuzur Rahman, both winners with the Bangladesh Cricket Association side, showed their talents throughout the whole tournament, with the former finishing as the highest-wicket taker, while the latter bagged the player-of-the-tournament award. Growing up, both of their worlds revolved around Shakib.
“When I was three months old, my hand got burned and slowly it became paralysed,” Mahfuzur, a left-arm spinner told The Daily Star.
Although Mahfuzur bowls left-handed, he bats right-handed. He scored 140 runs in the tournament, bagging 10 wickets with the ball. He came to cricket inspired by Bangladesh’s ace all-rounder.
“Everyone wants to do something in the tournament to prove themselves as a player. It is of course a dream to play here. I have been watching Shakib Al Hasan bhai from my childhood and even bowl like him. I also follow his mindset. I come from Jessore. Many felt I couldn’t do it but my coaches had faith in me which helped me succeed,” he added.
Tirtho, the other left-arm spinner, had 75 on his back just like Shakib. He has been playing in the first division since 2014, overcoming his disability. Tirtho bagged 17 wickets in the Physically Challenged Cricket Tournament. He hopes to represent Bangladesh in the future.
“Those who play cricket, harbour the dream to represent their country and that opportunity is being created and that dream may be fulfilled someday. Shakib bhai is my idol. That’s why I took his jersey number. I even met him at BKSP once during an U-17 camp but didn’t get to talk with him. If these kinds of tournaments are held regularly, a lot of good cricketers will come through. We are not professional cricketers and many come here by taking a vacation from their day jobs to play the matches. Since the board has taken an initiative with a wing [for handicapped players], so let’s see what happens,” Tirtho told reporters.
