No thanks Sunny (18 May 1999)

18 May 1999

No thanks Sunny

Iresh Zaker

In a moment of disheartening geographical insensitivity, one of the commentators, probably Graeme Fowler, called Bangladesh cricketers the Sri Lankans.

Subsequently, he either realized his mistake himself or the error was covertly pointed out to him and Fowler apologized to the Bangladeshi supporters for his bloomer. But then, to get over his embarrassment, he tried to make a joke, suggesting that Bangladeshi supporters should be glad that their team was mistaken for the much hailed Sri Lankans.

That should have drawn an uncomfortable conclusion to a mini fiasco but for the intrusion of a redoubtable Sunil Gavaskar. The diminutive talker of the ESPN satellite TV network decided to pour further salt in the already wounded national pride by insisting that Bangladeshis should consider themselves lucky to be called Sri Lankans rather as the latter are the world champions.

The obvious reply of every Bangladeshis would be an emphatic "no thank you".

Gavaskar should realize that Bangladeshis are not prepared to discard their identity or sell their name for a title.

The lack of their team's success does not diminish an iota of pride that they feel for their country. And if they do ever win the World Cup it will be as Bangladesh. Bangladeshis do not want to be mistaken for another country even if it makes them the world champions. Besides, how come a patriotic person could feel "lucky" when someone big demonstrates his lack of common sense in front of the microphone?

The message from the land of cricket-crazy crores to Sunil is 'don't think that the pride and patriotism of Bangladeshis is a half volley and it can be hit anywhere. Treat it with respect and don't ever make the mistake of discounting the spirit of the Bangladeshis. If you want to joke about it then do so where others won't hear it."

Actually, Gavaskar should be advised to exercise as little "humour" on air as possible, for he does not generally possess much sense for the art.

Source :: The Daily Star