Heads held high - III (7 June 1999)

7 June 1999

Heads held high - III

Nizamuddin Ahmed in London

This interview has been taken on June 3, prior to the Bangladesh team's departure from London, Heathrow. This is the third and final part of the series. Part II appeared on June 6

"It is natural to feel very good when returning home under the circumstances" was how this lanky medium-fast bowler expressed himself.

"My joy knew no bounds when I bowled Ijaj Ahmed out. It was a wicket after another had fallen in the previous over. And, that's why we could apply pressure on them," Shafiuddin said without mincing his words.

He admitted that he could not express his inner feelings after beating Pakistan. "Because we were so happy that it is beyond me. I did not think of any body or anything else. I was only thinking of our game, even after winning the match," he said.

About the tour, he said, "I have not been on a more enjoyable tour."

His statement was important because Shafiuddin had previously toured England, Scotland, Ireland, New Zealand and Kenya, and returned home with some embarrassing results.

"Team spirit was at its best. The seniors in the team always encouraged us greatly. This was a plus point. We were very free with each other," was another of his promising comments.

His target was to do well and gain Test status for Bangladesh.

World Cup stats: Played: 2, Wicket- 1.

"I will not give my interview to any journalist. Whatever I want to say, I shall say when I get home. I have not set foot on my homeland as yet, what should I say? The tour was fine," were the words with which this gifted player declined to talk to this correspondent despite repeated requests.

World Cup stats: Played: 2, Runs: 6, HS: 6*, Ave: 3, Wickets: 2

His was a joyous return, as he 'was going home with a very good win'.

"We have also fulfilled our target of winning two matches in the World Cup," said the Bangladesh vice-captain.

"This is the starting of our journey. We have the confidence right now of beating any Test team. We are going back home. We will try our best and we will come up with good performance," Mahmud said.

His view was that team spirit was 'superb'.

"Everyone knew that this was one of the most important tournaments, and the whole world was watching us. Everybody was excited. Everybody knew their job and what they had to do," he continued.

After the victory against Pakistan Mahmud thought of his father, elder brother and everyone else, but mostly of his late mother.

Mahmud owes his success in cricket to his family. His elder brother Ashfaq Ahmed Yafee also played for the national team.

"My father was also a sportsman. He played football. My cricket has come from my family," he said before departing.

World Cup stats: Played: 5, Runs: 49, HS: 27, Ave: 9.80, Wickets: 6

"There is a great feeling in beating Pakistan, but more so because we won it in the World Cup, a tournament that is followed by every one. We will not get a bigger tournament. I have played in the tournament and am taking back with us some achievement. That is my greatest pleasure," said the wicket-keeper batsman.

He considered the tour successful because, participating for the first time, Bangladesh did well against the counties and won against Pakistan.

"My wife (who was on the tour) continuously encouraged me. Wives never want that the husband should play poorly. They are always helpful. She is of big support," Khaled Masud kept on uttering as his wife urged him to hurry up.

They were rather late in reaching the airport, as they got stuck somewhere in traffic and were pressed for time.

He was hopeful about the future of Bangladesh cricket and said he will give his best.

World Cup stats: Played: 5, Runs: 40, HS: 17, Ave: 10

"This is our biggest victory. We have beaten a Test country for the first time in the World Cup," said the all-rounder with pride.

He knew what his future plans were and said firmly, "I have already announced my retirement from the national team." This announcement, he said, was made before the match against Pakistan.

After beating Pakistan his first thoughts were, "After we did badly in the Meril Cup, it was said that our team won't be sent to the World Cup; that was foremost in my mind."

"My thoughts were also very much with Athar (Bhai) because he was not in this squad. I remembered Anis; people with whom I played in the ICC', said Enamul pensively.

World Cup stats: Played: 4, Runs: 59, HS: 19, Ave: 19.66, Wickets- 3.

Source :: The Daily Star