Good Luck Tigers
As reporters approached Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport last evening, doubts began to rise regarding the Bangladesh national cricket team's exact location. An official press conference wasn't planned; expectedly so, considering that captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and coach Chandika Hathurusingha had spoken at length two days ago.
Even then, the fact that Bangladesh's contingent for the World Cup was about to leave was reason enough for the entire media fraternity to show up.
They weren't going to use the VIP entrance as they normally did, team manager Khaled Mahmud informed earlier. However, he wasn't quite sure as to which departure gate they would all be entering through.
All those doubts however were quenched once reporters got on the departure platform and saw an enthusiastic Shoyab Ali -- the Tigers fan who follows the team everywhere they go -- waving the Bangladesh flag non-stop in front of gate number three.
As players got out of their respective cars, they were surrounded by cameramen. In addition to the gun-like cameras on the shoulders came the mobile phones from other travellers who joined in, possibly in a bid to update their facebook and twitter accounts.
As the players struggled through the crowd a few words were spoken. "I want to do something big," muttered Arafat Sunny. "Let's hope we do well in Brisbane first," said a smiling Anamul Haque, accompanied by a host of relatives.
The other player who had company was Mushfiqur Rahim. The security had to form a man-made barricade to let a seemingly nervous Mushfiqur scurry through to the gate. His father though was more than happy to speak to the media. "As long as he doesn't injure himself he will do great," said the bearded gentleman.
By 7 pm all the players, save for the captain, were in for their 9 pm flight.
Mashrafe arrived half-an-hour later with his family. Carrying his daughter in his lap, he began walking towards the gate, assuring the 20-odd cameramen that he would speak to them.
As soon as he entered the gate, he let go of his daughter and geared up for one last press conference prior to the World Cup. He spoke a number of lines, but it was his last sentence that perhaps touched the 20-odd newsmen out there.
"Pray for us," he said with a soft voice, which oddly enough despite the noise was quite audible.
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