August 11, 2024

Anamul Recalls ‘Sleepless Nights’ After Losing Close Friend in Student Protests

He hopes Bangladesh’s upcoming tour to Pakistan “gives everyone something to cheer about” back home

Bangladesh’s political and social upheaval has had a profound impact on its cricketers. Wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan was actively engaged in the protests, facing direct confrontations with the police in Dhaka. Similarly, players like Akbar Ali and Kamrul Islam Rabbi have shown solidarity with the student movement from its inception. The situation has touched Anamul Haque, who experienced a personal tragedy when his close friend Akram was killed during the student protests in Dhaka on July 25.

Anamul Haque Reflects on Personal Loss and the Turmoil in Dhaka Amid Protests

Anamul Haque, set to captain Bangladesh A in their upcoming four-day matches against Pakistan A in Islamabad, addressed reporters at the Shere Bangla National Stadium before the team’s departure on Friday. He recounted the emotional strain of losing contact with his family amidst the protests, particularly following the tragic death of his friend.

“I think you have heard that a friend, who was like a brother to me, died in the protests,” Anamul said. “We were very close. I get emotional when I think about him. I hope this tragedy and trauma doesn’t happen to anyone. I was on Chattogram, so I couldn’t reach my family in Dhaka. Everyone was touched by this tragedy in some capacity.”

Like most others in Dhaka, Anamul also spent sleepless nights after the fall of the Awami League government, as uncertainty and disorder gripped the capital. “I was up from 2am to 5am. I was taking care of my child,” he said. “I went down to see what was going on. I saw many people in the streets, guarding their property. I don’t know what these people want. We don’t want to live like this. We want to live in peace. Everyone deserves their fundamental rights. I think we all work honestly.”

He also praised the students for handling Dhaka’s traffic in the absence of the police force, which has gone missing for at least three days. “The students are doing extraordinary work in trying to control the traffic. They are maintaining discipline. This is the country that we have always wanted,” he said.

When questioned about the silence of Shakib Al Hasan and Mashrafe Mortaza, two of Bangladesh’s prominent icons and Awami League MPs, regarding the protests, Anamul Haque maintained a diplomatic stance. His discomfort with the sensitive topic was evident, as he carefully navigated his response.

“I think it is up to the individual, whether they want to talk about it or give a Facebook status. I had a traumatic time. I was concerned about my family, and the family of my friend who died. I spent my time thinking about him,” Anamul said. “I couldn’t meet my family, I couldn’t visit his family. I wrote about him on social media. Someone else probably thought differently. I think they can tell you better. They did what was best for them.”

Anamul Haque is optimistic that Bangladesh A’s tour of Pakistan will provide valuable preparation for the senior team’s upcoming Test series later this month. He also hopes that the cricketers can deliver uplifting news to Bangladesh’s fans during these challenging times.

“Cricket is a place of emotion. It unites us,” he said. “This tour will really help us, especially the Test tour that follows in Pakistan. There will be batting-friendly conditions there generally. It gives a chance to both sides. We are playing Tests after a long time too. I think we could give everyone something to cheer about.”

Bangladesh A will face Pakistan A in two four-day matches and three one-day games in Islamabad. Following this tour, the senior team will embark on a two-Test series, starting on August 21 in Rawalpindi.

Hancock and Parsons Star as Australia A Make it 2-0

Tahlia Wilson and Tahlia McGrath ensured a comfortable chase for the home side

Australia A 133 for 2 (Wilson 53*, McGrath 47*) beat India A 130 for 9 (Punia 29, Parsons 4-30, Hancock 3-14) by eight wickets

In a show of the player depth on offer, legspinner Grace Parsons and quick Nicola Hancock both starred on their Australia A debuts as the home side claimed the T20 series against India A with an eight-wicket victory.

The pair had come into the Australia A side in place of Maitlan Brown and Tayla Vlaeminck and combined to finish with 7 for 44 from eight overs. Tahlia Wilson then made it back-to-back half-centuries to control the chase which was completed with ten deliveries to spare

Parsons Shines in T20 Debut with Four-Wicket Haul for Australia A Against India A

For Parsons, the 20-year-old who is part of Brisbane Heat’s WBBL squad having missed out on a chance to play last season due to injury, it was her T20 debut having only previously featured for Queensland in the WNCL. She bagged four wickets, including the key scalp of Priya Punia who had played superbly in the opening match and top-scored in this innings with 29 off 26 balls. Parsons then closed out her spell with two more wickets in the space of three balls.

“I’ve never actually played a T20 before, apart from at [my] club so today was very nerve wracking,” Parsons said. “But my plans don’t change too much.

“It was pretty special. I’m always nervous at the start, especially when I haven’t played cricket for quite a few months, but it was nice to get the first game out of the way and take a few wickets. It was a pretty special thing to get the call up into the Aus A team and then to be playing today, it’s pretty awesome.”

Hancock, who was a late addition to the squad when Courtney Sippel was ruled out through injury, had claimed the first wicket when she had Shweta Sehrawat taken off a top edge – Nicole Faltum taking an excellent running catch – and conceded just 14 from her three overs.

The regular loss of wickets meant India A struggled for momentum and at one stage lost 3 for 10 between the 11th and 13th overs.

The target didn’t stretch Australia A despite the early loss of Katie Mack as Wilson continued her impressive early-season form. Captain Tahlia McGrath, who had fallen first ball in the opening match, helped her side speed to target with a flurry of boundaries in an unbroken stand of 69.