Winning of Asia Cup after a lapse of 12 year was a gift for Pakistani cricket lovers who just await some good news from anywhere.
Newspapers and social media were filled with articles and messages not only congratulating Pakistani cricket team but also praising the marvelous performance of Bangladeshi team. Some well wishers went into nostalgic sleep remembering the days when these both countries were used to be a united country. Bangladeshi cricketers proved that they were way ahead of ICC’s bottom ranking, not only defeated India and Sri Lanka but also gave a really tough time to Pakistani team.
Morally, a win on the last ball is shared by both teams as it’s not the performance but the luck which has won. But a win is a win, one of the two had to win; on that particular moment luck was with Pakistan and they won. But Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCC) had some other ideas when it woke up after four days and decided to lodge a complaint against a Pakistani bowler of blocking their player.
BCC is seeking 5 runs penalty; in other words Bangladesh team to be declared as winner. Regardless of merit of the request, BCC is spoiling the spirit of sportsmanship to accept the defeat with an open heart. A complaint after four days shows that they are not serious; otherwise, should have lodged it then and there. I don’t know whether the Bangladeshi public and players are ready to become part of this game spoiling scheme.
The game is over. Let’s concentrate on further training and practice to take up stronger teams in the World Cup which is not far away.
MASOOD KHAN
Jubail, Saudi Arabia
