DHAKA: It seems that “Fizz” craze is crossing all limits. The wonder boy has done wonderfully well in his first year in international cricket. He assisted Team Tigers in some historic wins in limited over cricket. He has gifted skills as natural cricketer. He has rocked the cricket world with his cutters, Yorkers, deceptive variations. No other player in first appearance at glamorous IPL got so much of attention of world media. His red carpet and red rose reception at Airport on return from a successful stint at IPL was well heralded.

Of course, the superfluous words of state minister of sports affairs appeared a bit embarrassing, but, what is going on everywhere now is crossing all limits. That simple rural boy needs to regain his breadth, regain his composure remaining with his near and dear ones. His privacy is being encroached. Everyone as experts are passing on generous comments what he should or should not do. Whether he should go to play in England where he is contracted to play for English county. This is not everyone’s cup of tea.

Playing cricket in England is every cricketers dream comes true. How many players got contract for playing in England in his first year of international cricket? The type of bowler Mustafiz is England and English wickets are perhaps tailor made for that. Bangladesh cricket will be extremely benefited from Mustafiz further maturing and refining his cricket skills in England. He may be new to professional cricket but he has already shown that he has a matured head on his young shoulder. Professional English County for their sake will take proper care of his like his IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad did for him.

ICC Champions Trophy 2017 and ICC World Cup (If Bangladesh qualifies for it) are to be played in England. The cricket conditions, environment and wickets are so different there. The ball proves prodigiously on the seam and swings so much in the air. Players from subcontinent always struggle there to adjust with seam and swing. Bangladesh head coach rightly said that he would have loved all his pacers playing in England. The only thing that may bother Mustafiz is that whether he can adjust with cold climate even in English summer. Food should not be an issue as England has plenty of Bangladeshi food outlets. I am sure Bangladeshi expatriate community in England is eagerly waiting to extend hospitality to this youngster.

West Indies in its hay days had all its top players playing in England. So did Pakistan, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Only India and Sri Lanka started late and they struggled every time they visited England in not too distant past.

Upon Mustafiz’s returns to Dhaka, his fitness should be reassessed and without any second thought he must be allowed to join his county as soon as possible. He has earned his contract for his skills and successes. No one other than him has genuine right to create unholy barricade against him honouring his contract.

English experience will definitely arm him with new skills and ironing his own skills. It is weird thinking that more exposure will assist others in decoding “Fizz” mystery. Players like Wasim, Waqar, Holding, Roberts, Marshal, Hadlee, McGrath, Donald, Steyn, Imran and Kapil playing in England thrived and did not lose even an iota of their skills.

Our bowlers like Taskin, Rubel, Al-Amin and few other rising youngsters can be immensely benefited from a season or two in county cricket. Bangladesh has now a battery of young upcoming quality pacers. If they mature in right environment they will win many laurels in cricket in not too distant future. They cannot come to full bloom playing in low slow unresponsive sub-continental conditions and wickets only.

One other aspect needs mentioning here. Why different agencies are giving him cash award? Is Mustafiz now short of cash? Please let the kid relax in privacy. Let him enjoy his time. Fortunately, he is a type who appears till now not to have been carried away. His feet are still on the ground and hopefully would remain so in the future.

BDST: 0916 HRS, JUN 04, 2016
SR