'I just wanted to play cricket'

Mahbubul Karim is not a big name in Bangladesh cricket, but his name is linked with one of the biggest controversies surrounding cricket in the country. He was among the 13 cricketers who had joined the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) to jolt the cricket establishment in 2008 and was subsequently banned for 10 years by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

Although the ICL ban was lifted in June 2009, in the aftermath the ‘rebel’ cricketers found it hard to gain national attention. The period in the wilderness saw the ICL players falling behind and new players coming into the limelight. Some like Shahriar Nafees and Alok Kapali did get a chance in national colours again, but the scenario was even harder for players who, like Mahbubul, were not part of the national team before their ICL defection.  

The ICL episode has since taken its place in the country’s cricket history and as time has passed the Bangladesh cricket team’s gradually increasing prowess in international cricket has taken centre stage. No one wants to relive bitter memories and the 29-year old Mahbubul may not be an exception. But it is not always possible to forget the bitter past as people will bring back those memories sometimes, like after his match-winning hundred for Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club against Abahani Limited in the Dhaka Premier League match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on April 26.

“Yes, things could have been different for me had I not joined the ICL. But I just wanted to play cricket and went there to play with the legends of the game. Still, I feel guilty for taking a decision against the interest of my country, but it’s nice to see the way the young players are coming,” said the right-handed batsman, who scored 130 off 110 balls with 15 fours and five sixes.

The 29-year old batsman from Chittagong made a century in the league after an 11-year gap, so he was happy but the seasoned campaigner was more interested in praising the younger players.

“I made the century after a long gap in the league. However I made a century in first-class cricket last year for Chittagong against Barisal at the MA Aziz Stadium and you know, that news did not feature very prominently in the media (smiles).  Actually, our young cricketers are playing brilliant cricket and they deserve the spotlight,” said Mahbubul while talking to reporters after his side’s four-wicket victory.

So far two changes in this season of the country’s premier 50-over tournament most impressed the experienced cricketer. “Most importantly we are getting sporting wickets where pacers are doing well. In the past it’s all about spin, so it’s a big change I think. Another thing is because of the number of foreign players [in previous seasons three were allowed per side], a majority of the times we got very little chance to bat at the top; previously we were deprived. But this season with one foreigner allowed, it creates more chances for the local players and you are already seeing the result,” observed Mahbubul.