|| Cricfrenzy Correspondent ||
A World Cup trophy has changed the ambience for Akbar and his Co. at own den- BKSP (Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishthan). Not more than two months ago, the Under-19 World Cup triumphed players could not be differentiated easily despite their appearance for Under-19 team for the close bonding among them. But the history they have created by bringing in the first World Cup trophy for the nation- has increased their prominence overnight.
Akbar and Co returned to BKSP for the first time since returning from their successful World Cup campaign, for the two-day practise match before starting the one-off Test series against Bangladesh national team on February 22.
Unlike the previous occasions, this return for the Under-19 players was not the same- this time they returned as a star. Ahead of the solitary Test against Zimbabweans, including Akbar and hundred maker in semi Final Mahmudul Islam Joy, a total of six players were selected to play the practice match BKSP Academy Ground-3 from the Under-19 World Cup clinched squad for Bangladesh Board XI.
Board chief selector Minhajul Abedin Nannu and selector Habibul Bashar were present during the practice match. Apart from the officials, the arrival of Akbar and Co, had drawn some BSKP undergrads to eyewitness the play of their local World Cup triumphed players-who they might have spent many times with at BKSP, leading two months back before the tournament.
Those BSKP students in the red-printed shirt were waiting in front of the dressing room before even starting the game, just to have a close look at their own players. Some of them might have arrived bunking their scheduled class or in between.
The players who they used to hang out together most often a few days back, now they have become a reason of inspiration for those BKSP youths.
“We used to practice together. After scoring 90 runs in practice match, he got the opportunity. Now he is a World Cup. Everyone gets the opportunity on and off, but the important thing is you have to be able to execute that opportunity. Now he is a World Cup Champion captain” a BKSP student Mahmudul was saying about Akbar Ali.
Mohammad Moin-Uz-Zaman was the roommate of Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who stroke a century in the semi-final for Bangladesh against New Zealand.
Joy met Moin in the lunch break during the match. Moin said that he noticed the potential of cool and calm Joy before.
“He is a very calm guy. Very punctual. He never led an immoral life,” Moin told.
