The victorious Bangladesh cricket team returned home late yesterday from their successful 51-day tour of the West Indies and Zimbabwe to a raucous welcome at the Zia International Airport.
Ministers, board members and officials were joined by a nearly two thousand strong gathering of fans, including numerous close family members of the players, who greeted their heroes with garlands of flowers and joyous chants of “Congratulations” & “Welcome”.
Such success is unprecedented in the history of Bangladesh cricket and the mass turnout showcased exactly how much this success means to the people.
Victorious captain Shakib al Hasan, who was thrust into the role following the pull-out of Mashrafe bin Mortaza, was visibly beaming at the press conference.
“We had gone into this series with the hope of just playing good cricket after our disastrous performance in the T20 World Cup, but this achievement is glorious.
“This has come about after two years of hard work and we are just now bearing the fruits of our labour,” said Shakib.
The all-rounder who has led from the front also had a word of warning.
“I would think that our players will go home tonight revelling in this glory but come back tomorrow morning seeking new challenges. As great as this is, we need to put this win behind us and look forward,” continued the left-hander.
Wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim, whose sparkling knock sealed the series in Zimbabwe, seconded his captain.
“The victory is the result of an all-round team performance. Everyone did well and this will raise our confidence for continued success.”
Mohammad Ashraful, the target of much flak for his subdued performances prior to this tour, managed to hit back at his critics with some good knocks including a century against Zimbabwe.
And the mercurial right-hander appealed to the media for more support for himself and his teammates.
“I am confident that with the support of the fans and the media behind us we can go on to achieve great things. This is a talented squad and the future looks very bright.”
Tamim Iqbal who managed the record of the highest individual ODI score by a Bangladeshi was equally elated.
Terming his innings memorable, he added: “The challenge has just gotten bigger for me. Previously I used to get out in the mid-thirties, but now I am trying to go on to get big scores.”
It has been a remarkable month and a half for the Tigers. Having landed in the Caribbean with the tag of underdogs, the Tigers return at the zenith of their standing in the public eye. The scores of screaming fans who lined up to support their heroes was a testament to that fact.
Much has however been made of the quality of the opposition with West Indies fielding a largely second-string side and Zimbabwe lacking their previous bite.
But all-rounder Mahamadullah Riyad put the lid on the issue.
“A win is always sweet, no matter who it comes against” said the talented youngster.
The Tigers completed a Test and ODI series whitewash against West Indies before swatting aside the Zimbabwe side 4-1 in the ODIs.
They are set to pay a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Jamuna on Saturday at 11 am.