One
of the finest cricketers of Bangladesh’s pre-test era Atahar Ali Khan
was in Sydney recently to attend an annual ICC award ceremony. The local
cricket enthusiasts and organizers took this opportunity to meet the
handsome ex-cricketer, who is at present one of the four national cricket
selectors of Bangladesh cricket team, at a restaurant in North
Parramatta on the 14th
of October (Friday). Organized by Dr. Sharif-ud-Dowla
(Tapu), the informal gathering was attended by Nazmul, Maghfar Chowdhury,
Abu Chowdhury Duke, Zico, Saiful Chowdhury, Nawshad Shah, Rafiq Hasan,
Fida Haq and Asif Khan.
Atahar keenly spoke
to those who were present there about the present status and future of
Bangladesh’s cricket. He was very much optimistic about present domestic
cricket structure which he thinks is the breeding ground for future test
cricketers. Different age level cricket tournaments are organised all
across the newest test playing nation. It helps cricketers to move up the
ladder and be ready for test cricket. It also aids in the hunting for
talented cricketers in different corners of the country. Atahar was full
of praise for the Under 19 side. It may be mentioned that in a recent trip
to Australia, the Bangladesh Under 19 team won all the matches including
the ones against the Australian Under 19 and tied one match. Atahar,
however, feels that though Bangladesh excels at age level cricket, often
the jump to the test level is hard for most cricketers. Corporate league
is the newest addition in the local domestic cricket fixture. Players are
now more assured about their future as they work for different companies
and represent them in the corporate league.
Atahar sought help
from the Bangladeshi community in Australia to arrange stints with local
cricket clubs for the budding cricketers so that they get exposure and
match experience in different conditions. He was also of the opinion that
the community can finance to set up indoor stadiums in different parts of
Bangladesh and can send cricket equipments like bowling machines. It would
help the spread of cricket in Bangladesh and ensure that cricketers can practice
round the calendar. Dr. Tapu said that he would do his best to
look into these issues.
In answer to a
question of a local budding cricketer Zico (Randwick Raiders), Atahar
mentioned that promising Bangladeshi cricketers playing in club/grade
cricket in Australia have to prove themselves in Bangladesh’s domestic
cricket before they can be considered for selection to play for the
country. Even South African born star cricketers Kevin Pieterson, Atahar
said, had to play well consistently for a few years before he was
considered for England team. Atahar, however, sent a message to Zico and
other budding cricketers here not to lose heart and encouraged them to
work hard in order to represent their native country.
Atahar is the first
Bangladeshi player to receive the man of the match award in one day
internationals when he scored 78 not out against Sri Lanka in the 1990. He
had already quit cricket when Bangladesh was granted test status in 2000.
He was a right handed upper order batsman and a useful right arm
medium pace bowler. He scored 532 runs in 19 one day matches at an average
of just under 30 with 3 fifties. His biggest disappointment in cricket is
not being selected for the Bangladesh team for the World cup in 1999.
Besides being a selector, Atahar Ali is also involved in cricket as a
respected international commentator.
