The tea stall in question seems to be a unique place where both everyday and extraordinary problems find verbal solutions. Various people come and offer their solutions to different issues, while someone nearby counters with their own solution. This continues throughout the day.
On a recent visit, a prominent individual asked, “Tell me, who should it be, Sakib or Tamim, for the national cricket team?”
Before anyone could respond, the prominent individual himself continued, “Listen, dear, let’s talk about cricket. We used to play cricket in our youth, just like sitting in a tea stall. So, what happened was, before a tournament, there was a big dispute within the team. Those who had a problem among themselves went to the other team, leading to a rivalry between our village and their village. This resulted in a fight of that sort! This continued, and we, the elders, had to step in and mediate to ensure everyone could play. But even after that, we didn’t win any matches! Tell me, should I bat, or should I just quit for the sake of the team?”
Again, as people were about to respond, the prominent individual seemed to understand that I couldn’t possibly know about events from his youth. He said, “Listen, lad, when it comes to cricket, all these problems arise before a tournament. People from outside interfere with all these issues, catching the players and diverting their focus. They’ll put you under pressure mentally, and after that, they’ll throw you a googly. We also went through this. Even in one cricket match, we couldn’t win! So, tell me, should I bat? Can I win for someone?”
Before you make any conclusions, answer some questions. Okay, tell me, is the name of the national cricket team Bangladesh? Sakib Al Hasan or Tamim Iqbal is not the whole of it, right? So why are Sakib and Tamim causing such division and resentment among all the other players?
Let me give you an example. Yesterday, before the Bangladesh cricket team’s departure for the World Cup, opener Tamim Iqbal posted a video on his official Facebook account. This is Tamim’s first World Cup at the age of 22. The excitement can be sensed in his comments. In the video, Tamim says, “Hello, everyone! I’m Tamim Iqbal. I’m very excited to represent the country in the World Cup.”
Apart from conveying his best wishes, Tamim’s video has some other comments as well. Like, “Even if you are not fully fit, Tamim Iqbal will perform like this, where he will play, he will perform like a full-fit player,” “We will send you off with cheers, even if you are not 100% fit,” “Some favored you for the team without consideration,” “You are out in the fast round; no profit with a bat”… The point here is that Bangladesh’s World Cup team is not separate from the society’s social media pages or accounts.
The Sakib-Tamim issue has divided the supporters of the national team, and they are attacking each other. In this scenario, the ideal phrase might be “May the kingdom of Plato” because debates and arguments have overshadowed the real issue—the team, Bangladesh team! To be honest, how many times have the names Sakib and Tamim been mentioned compared to the phrase “Bangladesh team” in these days? Sakib and Tamim might raise this phrase a few times! Even so, there is no objection. In order to overcome anger and frustration, the name of the country is still being mentioned!
However, the World Cup begins in Bangladesh tonight. The team will face Sri Lanka in their opening match in Guwahati. There is no doubt that, amidst the controversies that came with their journey to India, the players are focusing on the upcoming match. That is the expected scenario, and whatever the outcome, Bangladesh will play as a team. It’s not a matter of Aamuk Bhai or Tamuk Bhai (referring to Sakib and Tamim), the key issue is the representation of the country and what happens “at home.” Supporters will criticize, argue, and then come together to watch the team’s game. It is only the supporters who have the right to say whatever they like. The “spirit” of the game is their birthright.
But in recent days, it seems like Plato’s “ideal kingdom” has arrived after dark. Friends have become enemies, and arguments have taken over, just like the result of a dice roll. However, the real issue is absent amidst all this— the team, Bangladesh team! Say it honestly, how many times have Sakib and Tamim’s names been uttered compared to the phrase “Bangladesh team” in these days? In the discussion of “debate about performances,” the phrase “Bangladesh team” might rise only once or twice. Even so, there is no objection. Amidst the rage and frustration, the name of the country is still being mentioned!
Yet, the World Cup begins in Bangladesh tonight. The team will face Sri Lanka in their opening match in Guwahati. There is no doubt that, amidst the controversies that came with their journey to India, the players are focusing on the upcoming match. That is the expected scenario, and whatever the outcome, Bangladesh will play as a team. It’s not a matter of Aamuk Bhai or Tamuk Bhai (referring to Sakib and Tamim), the key issue is the representation of the country and what happens “at home.” Supporters will criticize, argue, and then come together to watch the team’s game. It is only the supporters who have the right to say whatever they like. The “spirit” of the game is their birthright.
