Published on 12:00 AM, February 25, 2019

Tamim negotiates, and delivers

While Mehedi Hasan Miraz (L) tried to negotiate four premier CA bats through Tamim Iqbal's connections, the latter had to first guarantee payment from the junior cricketer and then negotiate a discount from the manufacturers, both of which he achieved. Photo: Mazhar Uddin
Mazhar Uddin

Mehedi Hasan Miraz was sitting at the hotel lobby in Christchurch, trying to convince Tamim Iqbal about something yesterday.

"Tamim bhai, can you please arrange a few of your CA bats for me as I want to play with your bat in the upcoming World Cup," Mehedi said excitedly.

Tamim immediately called one of the owners of the company and said: "Brother, I need a few bats, the same quality as mine, for one of my juniors in the national team."

The reply from the other side was that it would cost around 1,000 US dollars for each bat if he really wanted the same quality as the ones Tamim uses. The left-hander hung up the phone and said: "Look Miraz, it will be expensive. You just tell me straight: do you want them or not?"

"Bhai, try to make it as reasonable as you can," Mehedi replied, still eager.

Tamim again called and started bargaining and eventually finalised four top-quality bats, each worth 700 USD, to be delivered in Wellington ahead of the second Test.

Mehedi, a touch of nervousness creeping into his voice, then said: "Bhai can I give you the money when I return to Bangladesh?"

Tamim, ever mischievous with his teammates, was not about to pass up on this opportunity to make Mehedi sweat. "No, no. I want the money right here; otherwise you won't get any bat."

Mehedi tried another tack. "Tamim bhai, can you give me a loan; I will repay it when I get back."

Tamim eventually agreed and Mehedi went back to his hotel room with a huge smile on his face.

After a while, Taijul Islam came to Tamim with some other issue that he wanted the senior player to solve. Tamim happily listened to the left-arm spinner and said: "It will be done, don't worry."

It was just a glimpse of what Tamim routinely does for almost all members -- senior or junior -- of the Bangladesh team, whether it is a personal or professional matter at hand.

Known for his generosity, Tamim has often gifted his bats to many young cricketers in Bangladesh.

"I have never asked for money if I gift my bat to anyone. It's different if someone asks me to bring bats for them and I really enjoy helping these boys."

It is because of Tamim's love and generosity that he is considered the big brother in the national team, the one who is always there to help. And on this occasion Mehedi will definitely owe a big debt to Tamim -- even if he pays back the monetary sum -- if the youngster scores big in the coming days.

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