'People now want selfies with me'
It was a different sort of homecoming to Sylhet for pacer Khaled Ahmed after he learned that he was included in the Bangladesh Test squad for the two-match series against Zimbabwe.
The joy was doubled for the 26-year-old as the first Test will be played where Khaled's dream of playing for Bangladesh was born -- the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, which will also make its debut as the country's eighth Test venue on November 3.
The tall fast bowler has been preparing himself since being included in the High Performance Squad, which was followed by creditable performances in the National Cricket League, the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) and also for the Bangladesh A team recently.
"Obviously, everything has changed from the past when I used to play in Sylhet or when I spent time here. Since being named in the Bangladesh team people have started to recognise me and even ask for selfies with me, which I am enjoying a lot," Khaled told The Daily Star over phone yesterday when asked how things have changed for him since getting the cherished call.
It may be coincidence that Khaled got his maiden call-up to the national team before a Test that will take place in Sylhet, but Khaled did dream of making his international debut in his hometown while playing the BCL earlier this season.
"Honestly, when I was playing the BCL in Sylhet this season I thought that it would be great if I get an opportunity to play for the national team. Luckily, I was named in the Test squad and I was really happy that the first Test will be played in Sylhet, which is a great feeling."
Known as 'Bullet Khaled' by his Sylhet teammates, the right-arm seamer's main strength is to bowl fast and combined with an ability to bowl long spells, it prompted the selectors to include him in the side.
"Bowling fast is my biggest strength. I always try to bowl quick. At the same time, I am able to bowl long spells. Among the other weapons in my bowling is my ability to swing the ball both ways," Khaled added.
Having made it to the squad, the dream of making it to the national team is now tantalisingly close to fruition for Khaled. If he does get his dream debut in his hometown, it will be important for the pacer to live up to the expectations and make it memorable not just for himself but also for Sylhet and the rest of Bangladesh.
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