They did not have the necessary equipment, or a proper place to practice, but the boys of INCIDIN Bangladesh Anandadhara Benarasi School in Mirpur, run for working children of stranded Pakistani community, did not give up their hard work and determination, that led them to win the Standard Chartered School Cricket competition, and carve a niche in society by playing cricket.

"We still remember how we won by 192 runs," said Sonu Mohammed Sahib, captain of the cricket team.

The boys have been playing cricket since 2002 but this was the first time they won a formal match.

"Holding the trophy in our hands was the most ecstatic moment for us boosting our level of confidence," Sonu said.

The results brought joy to the teachers and officials of INCIDIN Bangladesh.

"Think of these child labourers living in refugee camps, deprived of most amenities, yet trying best to prove their capabilities," said Shah Alam Manik, official of the school.

"This was the only NGO school that participated in the tournament," he said adding some of the players got verbal offers to play in clubs of different areas.

All the team members are child labourers in the Benarasi weaving sector. They are aware of the struggle they would have to go through continue with cricket.

Lack of helmets and other cricketing accessories is an obvious problem for them.

"Let alone fancy or expensive equipment, we cannot even afford to buy new cricket balls every time which is mandatory for our practice," said one of them.

A strict time management is necessary, as they have to continue work, school, family responsibilities and playing cricket.

"Sometimes we work until two or three at night and finish the pending work to manage our time for cricket," said Zahid, another team member. He also said usually they practice twice a week.

Although the community, employers and schoolteachers inspire them, some face difficulties in persuading their parents to permit them to play cricket.

"My brother and I are the only bread winners of our family. My mother does not like me playing cricket because if I get injured and cannot work, it would affect my family," said Sumon.

"My mother says that cricket is not meant for us but for children from the privileged class," he added.

The children said that the biggest problem they face is lack of a proper coach.

They do not have any formal coach, at present, but Sabbir Hossain, an INCIDIN Bangladesh official coaches them whenever he is free.

"We would have done far better if we had a coach," said the captain.

However, the INCIDIN officials said it is not possible for them to arrange a full-time cricket coach for them as it quite exorbitant.

Despite all difficulties, the children are spirited enough to move forward.

Their camp can be demolished any time; a housing developer who may begin construction at anytime has already grabbed the open space where they practice.

"But we will not sit back at home brooding over assumed problems but continue to live our lives and playing cricket is part of it," said Nuruddin.

He and his teammates nurture the dream of playing for the national cricket team of Bangladesh someday.