Looking forward to the BBPL: Amla
Question (Q): This will be your first time playing in the BBPL, how did the Khulna deal happen?
Hashim Amla (HA): Obviously, love being here in Bangladesh. Been here a few times over the years and have always loved the atmosphere, especially since the cricket culture is so fantastic that you can feel the electricity on the ground as well. Since my retirement, I have enjoyed playing a few T10 leagues here and there. Then I got the call from Khulna Tigers, asking if I was available. Fortunately, there was a gap in my schedule and so, I’m happy to be here.
Q: You signed for Surrey and then also took over as batting consultant for Cape Town. Are you enjoying this stage of your career, post retirement?
HA: Really enjoying it, every chapter in life is an exciting one. I was fortunate to play international cricket for as long as I did and this is another chapter. Thankfully I got a chance to play in the BBPL this time seeing as due to international commitments, I couldn’t be here before, but it’s a good time now. I was very keen to be here at the BBPL. The tournament has always been one of those things (of interest) and it is an opportunity to explore a different part of the world. Every country has a unique flavour so the experience playing in the BBPL is something I am really looking forward to.
Q: What does the game of cricket mean to you?
HA: Ever since I was six years old, I have been with cricket. If you ask someone who is six years old (why they play), the answer would be because they enjoy and love the game. I am blessed to be able to play the game I love. It is very fortunate when someone can do what they love and plus, you get to travel the world.
Q: You could have played on for longer. What was at the heart of the decision to retire?
HA: Every international cricketer will tell you, you know yourself when its time. After the World Cup, I took some time and consulted the people close to me. Although there may still be a few years left in my body and I feel fresh and good to go, everything has its time. Everything has to move on and you have to stop at some point. No, I don’t miss Test cricket since everyone gets to the stage where you realise you have played enough. I am happy and grateful. Certainly, whatever little value I can add with my experience, I enjoy sharing it. This is the next chapter and I don’t miss international cricket one bit.
Q: How has being a devout Muslim benefitted your cricket?
HA: The principles of Islam are very simple. It’s hard to explain (how it helped). Everything is not compartmentalized, it’s together. I find this question a little repellent, a little weird to be honest. You live your life as best you can and everything else falls into place. It’s not about whether it helps your cricket or not but whether you apply yourself based on your faith and do your best in every career that you are in. Whether it helps or not doesn’t really cross my mind. I don’t want to do something in Islam because it helps my cricket. That would be quite insincere. Practice as best you can and everything falls into place.
Q: What’s your evaluation of teammate Mushfiqur Rahim and how would you like to exchange your cricketing knowledge with him?
HA: It comes naturally when you have played against each other for almost 10 years. Mushy has done exceptionally well as a captain and a player. Certainly, one of the best wicket-keeping batsmen around. A handful have been around but he has been there the longest and has the most experience worldwide, I think. He is a fantastic player and to interact with him and share our experience is something I am sure we are both looking forward to.
Q: Which Bangladeshi players do you have the best connection with?
HA: Mushy and Shakib [Al Hasan] and obviously [Mashrafe Bin] Mortaza. In our careers, we have played against each other in the under-19 stage and more.
Comments