Cricket pioneer Shamim no more

Bangladesh cricket lost a pioneer yesterday, when the country's first captain Shamim Kabir breathed his last at a hospital in the capital.

Shamim, aged 74, whose demise left the entire Bangladesh cricket fraternity in grief, was suffering from cancer. He became the first captain of Bangladesh when he led the national team against the touring Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in a three-day match from January 7-9, 1977 at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Nazmul Hassan expressed deep sadness at the passing away of the former cricketer.

"He was a pioneer. Shamim Kabir captained Bangladesh when times were difficult for cricket and the game had very limited resources. It was due to the passion and dedication of people like him that cricket in Bangladesh is where it is today. On behalf of the board, I extend heartfelt condolences to the family of Shamim Kabir. We pray for the salvation of his soul." Nazmul was quoted as saying in a BCB media release.

An opening batsman and wicketkeeper, Shamim played in 15 first class matches between 1961 and 1969 for different teams including East Pakistan, East Zone and Dhaka University. His cricket career might have been brief but it had a big impact on many players with whom he played. One such person is Jalal Ahmed Chowdhury, a cricket coach and writer who was deeply saddened by the demise of Shamim.

"Shamim bhai was the purest image of cricket. He was the frontman of the first chapter of our cricket history. Back when I was young, seeing a Test cricketer up close was an unusual sight for those of us who used to play in different cricket leagues. Shamim bhai was not a Test cricketer but whenever I saw him, it felt like that maybe a Test cricketer would look like him. An eye-catching, well-built, handsome man who used to wear the green cap in a unique fashion. He loved me, also scolded me at times and I consider myself lucky for that. Today, there is nothing left to do other than to pray for his departed soul. Stay well Shamim bhai," was the emotional message from Jalal on social media.