Rubel May Not Be Happy Again

The toothy smile vanished when Rubel Hossain talked about that turbulent episode of his life, which almost shattered his World Cup dreams.

He took a long breath before recalling the memory of those three fateful nights behind bars. And when he talked it seemed he was not standing in front of the Novotel Hotel in Hamilton yesterday rather he was inside a semi-dark room of Dhaka Central Jail (January 8-11).

He was sent to the jail after a Dhaka Court rejected his appeal for a bail petition in connection with a rape case filed by film actress Naznin Akter Happy.

"I cannot forget those three nights," said the pace bowler who hogged the headlines with a match-winning performance against England at the Adelaide Oval on Monday.

"It was a very difficult case, so I had doubt whether it would be possible for me to play in the World Cup, so sometimes I cannot still believe that I am here. My family also suffered a lot for this episode.  But the affection people showed to me during that tough time was unbelievable. It's an unbelievable feeling to know how much love a player can receive from the people; the people in my home town (Bagerhat) supported me a lot," Rubel said in one breath.

Understandably, he has been the subject to embarrassing discussions ever since that incident. He was also shy and uncomfortable when he joined the team after winning a bail until the end of the World Cup for the 'national interest'. But he said that his teammates helped him to recovering from the mental stress.

"Everybody made fun of me (in a good way) which made things easy for me. They still love to make fun with me regarding this matter. I must thank my teammates for my success in the World Cup, especially Mashrafe bhai encouraged me a lot to come back strongly against all the odds," said Rubel.

The pacer appeared vibrant when his attention was focused on tomorrow's match against New Zealand.

"I have a good record against them (New Zealand), especially my best bowling figure with a hattrick. I am looking forward to continue my good performance in the World Cup. I am looking forward to bowl against New Zealand," said a confident Rubel.

"If I can bring more success for my team it will be best gift for those who supported me during my tough times," said Rubel, adding that the case against him might not last long but the pain could be there forever.