When again?
The last five days in Khulna were mesmerising to say the least. Fans came in large numbers in the lone Test at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium (SANS) and, to some extent, the atmosphere represented that of a limited-overs series.
However, there were certain scenes across the city and around the stadium that looked like cricket had taken the back seat.
Almost the entire city was covered with banners, posters and archways depicting pictures of Sheikh Helal, the local organiser and a director of the BCB. Some gigantic pictures of BCB president Nazmul Hassan Papon were also put up. In the midst of it all, the pictures of the cricketers, who were the real stars of the show, were lost. The scenario, which represented a political procession rather than a sporting event, must have confused a number of spectators.
However apart from these issues the city of Khulna seemed to be up in arms, supporting the Tigers with packed stadium.
While watching the match from the stands was the number one priority for most of the dwellers last week, many also joined in the fun and frolic by merely roaming around the unusually bright and decorated streets of the city.
The question that remains is when the next international match will take place here. Most of the upcoming matches are lined up either for Dhaka or Chittagong.
"There are not many events that take place here. I have been living in this city for the last forty years and I must say cricket has added a new dimension to our lives. I watched all the international matches played at this venue but I don't know how long I will have to wait to see the next one," pondered Aminul Haque, who had come to the SANS with his wife and their 10-year-old son.
"We will be grateful to the BCB if they at least give us one ODI match from the series," said a hopeful Mojibul Ahmed, a student of a private university.
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