As Bangladesh prepares to compete in the Blind T20 Cricket World Cup in Pakistan, the nation’s 15-member squad is gearing up to depart from Dhaka on November 20.
Arif Ullah, a proud son of the island of Kutubdia in Cox’s Bazar, will lead this year’s team, which features vital changes.
Arif, an experienced player in Bangladesh’s National Blind Cricket Team, hails from Julekhar Para village in Baraghop Union.
He is the youngest son of former MUP Nurul Islam and has represented Bangladesh in numerous international matches.
Another seasoned player from the same village, Tanzilur Rahman, joined Arif on the squad.
A primary school teacher by profession and a former team captain, Tanzil will play in the B-1 category, bringing his all-rounder skills to the field.
Bangladesh’s journey in the World Cup begins on November 23 with a challenging opening match against a formidable Indian side.
Both Arif and Tanzil have rich international experience, having played series against India, Pakistan, the UAE, New Zealand, and England and participated in three World Cups.
Expressing his excitement, the newly appointed captain, Arif, said, it’s an incredible honor to lead the team.
“I’m thrilled to take on this responsibility in the upcoming World Cup. We have some exceptionally talented young players in the squad. Over the years, we have shown we can compete with the best,” he added.
He also said that although they were runners-up in the last World Cup after a tough loss to India, they aim to bring the trophy home this time. They also urge prayers and support from the nation’s people and the district.
A Game of Inspiration
Blind cricket, established in Australia in 1922, inspires visually impaired individuals worldwide. While the rules closely resemble regular cricket, bowling involves unique adaptations. Each team’s XI includes four players who are either fully or partially visually impaired, showcasing these athletes’ incredible resilience and skill.
With Arif’s leadership and Tanzil’s experience, Bangladesh’s Special Tigers are determined to leave their mark in the World Cup and carry the nation’s hopes.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
