‘A special place’ as nostalgia and aspiration juxtapose for ’86ers
The Asia Cup remains unparalleled for a certain generation of former Bangladesh cricketers, when it comes to evoking an intense sense of nostalgia.
Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu, Bangladesh's first ODI captain, had often stated that his team would remember the 1986 Asia Cup in Sri Lanka for the rest of their lives. The former captain is fond of recalling what transpired with Pakistan great Imran Khan during the toss.
Chief selector Minhajul Abedin Nannu said on the eve of the tournament's 16th installation, "Whenever Asia Cup comes, it makes us nostalgic. Just think, I was part of the team which played its first Asia Cup match and now I'm part of the current team as a selector.
"It's really interesting that at that time we were excited as we got the opportunity to play in an event where our idols were playing. Now my thoughts are turning to how our squad will hoist the trophy. Therefore, it's a unique experience and excitement for me."
"Asia Cup tournament has a special place in our heart," former Bangladesh pace bowler Golam Nawsher Prince, who is currently affiliated with USA cricket, told The Daily Star over phone while reminiscing about his first ODI match experience in Bangladesh's debut Asia Cup expedition in Sri Lanka.
Back in 1986, Prince and company "were living in a dream" when they played the first international match. But now the dream has morphed to an extent that it all boils down to whether the Shakib Al Hasan-led side can bring the first major title for the country following three last-hurdle heartbreaks in the past 11 years.
"I still can remember those days. It was so exciting as we were going to play matches against the international teams. I cannot explain everything in words. It looked like we were living in a dream. I started in 1976 and always wondered whether the day would come for me to play international cricket. We had a doubt about whether we could see the country get ODI status in our lifetime," an emotional Prince shared the experience of the days when the Tigers had taken baby steps onto the international circuit.
"You cannot now imagine how we were driven by emotions. We were going to play a Pakistan team, possessing names such as Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Mohsin Khan, Mudassar Nazar, Abdul Qadir; you cannot simply imagine," he continued.
"Now I feel proud that we have such a good team who can win the tournament. We have our own stars now. As a former cricketer nothing could have given you much satisfaction than that. I follow Bangladesh cricket as much as possible. I firmly believe that these bunch of cricketers have the belief that they can win the tournament. A team can fail but still we have a very good ODI unit," Prince said with utmost confidence.
Nannu, on the other hand, believes that the current generation is receiving financial and infrastructure support that they could not have imagined in their day.
"There was no infrastructure at all but still we had to face some world class bowlers and batters in that tournament.
"Javed Miandad was my idol. It was a great experience to meet him there and Arjuna Ranatunga as well. In terms of infrastructure, we improved a lot and accordingly the players are also improving. Now time has come to deliver," said Nannu.
Bangladesh's 50-over team have evolved significantly since the inaugural ODI, leaving both Prince and Nannu yearning for trophies. "We'd like to say we started a journey from which our next generation will accomplish the feat," Prince concluded.
The 1986 group will therefore be keenly watching the Tigers' performance as they kick off their campaign against Sri Lanka tomorrow in Kandy, just like millions of Bangladesh fans will.