DHAKA: We have witnessed some unprofessional post-match media analysis and few unethical postings in social media after Bangladesh India match. In our consideration, these are neither objective nor go well with ethics and ethos of professional cricket. The Mustafiz-Dhoni incident was definitely an accident.

MS Dhoni cannot be that unprofessional to strike rookie Mustafiz intentionally. There are no reasons to analyze these in different angles. Match referees interpretation and fines must put a full stop and cricket must go on.

Bangladesh is advancing admirably in limited version of world cricket. Over the last three months, Bangladesh won matches against three higher ranked teams in world cup and bilateral contests. These are not flashes in the pan.

These are happening for maturity of Bangladesh cricket, emergence of quality cricketers, commitment of players and off course dynamic leadership of one and only Mashrafe Bin Mortaza. The excellent support of tiger admirers from all over the world also is a driving force. It is great to see that tiger supporters stand beside and behind solidly in thick and thin. We hope with this cricket ethics and ethos must also gradually take root.

Cricket is after all is a game only. When Bangladesh plays cricket against India, Pakistan, and Australia or for that matter against Afghanistan even the war must be fought within the bounds of the cricket ground. After the matches, the bitterness must not go beyond the playground. Bangladesh has a great tradition of being meticulous cricket admirers since the first ever cricket Test between Pakistan and India was played at Dhaka. All the visiting teams all the time deeply and sincerely appreciated Dhaka crowd.

We know the success of Bangladesh Cricket has created new generation of cricket admirers. The revolution of social media has made cricket a household fanfare. After the controversial World Cup quarter-final at MCG between Bangladesh and India, we have seen many good and equally bad media coverage. We were present at MCG and we were equally expectant. We also witnessed several umpiring mistakes and questionable acts of ICC. We admired instant protest of ICC President Mr Kamal. We cannot guarantee that Bangladesh was winning that match even without those controversial decisions. But yes match could be far more competitive and there were no reasons for ICC to be utterly biased.
 
That incident carried too deep into the social media. There were too much talks and analysis. Ultimately, politics intruded making the entire matter nasty. Pakistan visited Bangladesh immediately after the world cup. Bangladesh white washed them in ODI series and won the lone T20. Bangladesh played their wonderful brand of attractive cricket. It even drew the first test playing strongly. But lost the second test miserably. Some sections of media and some social media did not behave responsibly.

Yes we know Pakistan Army Junta carried out one of the most tragic genocide in Bangladesh in world history. But, we are now independent nation. Pakistan was our guests. It is all right we remain fiercely competitive while playing but why we should carry that beyond the match. We witnessed many ugly posting in social media and some sections of print media. These were unwarranted and unnecessary.

India is now touring Bangladesh. We must not forget India was our friend in need in 1971. Without their genuine assistance and support, Bangladesh could not achieve independence so easily. India also supported Bangladesh very strongly in getting ICC membership. India was also the first team to play against Bangladesh when it got test status. But again, we are now independent country. In sports or in any bilateral engagement we are sovereign equals. We always criticize BCCI for not hosting Bangladesh in India in any series over the last 15 years.
 
It was strong Bangladesh resolve and right strategy that made Bangladesh prevail over strong India in the first ODI. We were all in the moon of joy.   This was by no means an upset. Bangladesh is very much competent and capable of beating any team in ODI anywhere.

A sad incident happened during the match involving Indian Captain MS Dhoni and Bangladesh debutant Mustafiz. They collided while Dhoni was taking to run a sharp single of his bowling. Mustafiz did not leave his line on his follow through and Dhoni knocked him down. Mustafiz had to leave the ground. He returned and produced one of the finest spell of swing bowling that could ever be seen in ODI.

We cannot believe that the collusion was at all intentional. The personality like Dhoni cannot be that stupid. People talked about John Snow Knocking down Sunil Gavaskar and few other incidents.

Following that incident, both Bangladesh and Indian media carried many stories where perhaps objectivity was missing. Dhoni gains nothing out it but loses a lot. I am sure he was conscious about it. Dhoni, Mustafiz and Mashrafee have given explanations. Match referee summoned both and has fined both Dhoni (75% match fees) and Mustafiz (50% match fees). The matter must bury here.

Professional games are played with head and not much of heart. But yes while playing for the country patriotism, commitment and emotions will be there. But we must also not forget cricket is a gentlemen’s game which has its own values.

Think of Rafique not making the Pakistani tail ender run out in the Test at Multan, which could win us the test against Pakistan. Think of Sunil Gavaskar praising Bangladesh in unqualified terms. Think of none less than Narendra Modi, Indian Prime Minister acknowledging Bangladesh Cricket’s achievement.

Bangladesh has more than even chance of winning the series. It has to hold its own and must not lose focus. India will definitely come back bouncing. Bangladesh has to perform to its potential. One more win will assure Bangladesh playing in 2016 Champions trophy. Bangladesh must grab the opportunity with both hands.

We are sure one Mashrafe will continue to inspire. But it is my fervent appeal to all please keep the contest within the playground. Let us also prove that we are very appreciative admirers of good cricket and traditional great hosts.

BDST: 1049 HRS, JUN 20, 2015
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