Shakib Al Hasan
National Cricketer

As the No 1 all-rounder in the world, cricketer Shakib Al Hasan has been a beacon of hope for millions in the country. Given his cricketing commitments across the world, it becomes difficult for the young man to convert the hope into something that is wholesome. But he has big plans, a he reveals to Rabeed Imam, the BCB media manager and former senior sub-editor of The Daily Star.

Rabeed Imam (RI): Have you given anything back?

Shakib Al Hasan (SAH): Although I always had the intention I never seem to have had the time to start something especially in Magura. Part of the reason could be that I have been away from Magura for the better part of the last 4/5 years. However, I have a plan to start a cricket training centre in my hometown which will be in collaboration with a cricket development scheme in UK. A coach is involved with this project. Hopefully this will see light soon.

RI: How do the youth of Magura react when you back? Does anyone want tips on cricket? What do you tell them?

SAH: People in Magura respect my privacy and I go there to rest and relax and keep to myself mostly. However I can feel the warmth and pride in the locals. The kids often challenge me to backyard hit and run and that's about as close to cricket I get to when I'm there. Those who do come to me for tips get the same answer: 'If I could make it from Magura then you should believe that you can too.' Many have the notion that I can give them a break in some way but I tell them that they should never count on favours and nepotism and should rather back their talent to fulfil sporting ambitions.

RI: Does he plan to do something major (for the youth) while still playing?

SAH: Of course. Many consider me an inspiration and I intend to help them pursue their dream in any way I can. I have been an ambassador for the Thinkwise campaign which raises awareness about HIV/AIDS. I think the youth are the most at risk from the spread of HIV. I am open to similar work where my image and voice can be used for the benefit of youth.

RI: What makes him stand out as a youth of this country? Why is he so different?

SAH: The Bangladeshi youth is a born fighter. Often we do not see that quality appear unless he is tested. I have been blessed with a strong nerve and a fighting mentality. I have also had the opportunity and courage to dream and dream big. I never wanted to be the best among my peers only, I wanted to become the best in the world. That is my target still.

RI: Where does he think the youth have to improve?

SAH: There is a tendency to buckle under pressure. This happens in every sector, not just sports. I guess hard work and preparation gives you the confidence and then you can aspire for greater things in this competitive world. Single minded approach towards the goal, that's what the youth in this country need to focus on.

Khaled Mashud
Ex-national Cricketer and Rajshahi's Inspiration

Kids in Rajshahi had no way out even at the turn of the new century. Despite finishing primary education, the northern divisional headquarters had very little opportunities to make it big in life. But their most famous son of the late 20th century, Khaled Mashud Pilot, offered them that hope. The man who likes to take charge of situations took the problem of his hometown by the scruff of the neck.

It was in the early years of the last decade that Pilot decided that he needed to make Rajshahi a viable name in cricket. Known as the hardest working cricketer ever to have walked in this country, Pilot gathered a small group of cricketers to train with him for entire days during the monsoons, known in cricket as the off-season. The extra training helped him grow as a wicketkeeper and a batsman for Bangladesh while at the same time helped out some of the others with him to league contracts in Dhaka.

That number slowly rose as news spread across the quiet town about this revolution of sorts.

By 2005, Pilot began winning cricket tournaments for Rajshahi at ease. Players from this division became vital cogs in the Dhaka leagues and when the man in charge of the situation, Pilot, announced publicly that players from Rajshahi have taken out almost Tk 4 crore from Dhaka's clubs, it turned heads. Everyone then realised that Pilot had helped create small academies across the division to produce cricketers. One by one, they sprung up and kids flocked to aim for a future in the game.

Soon after, a big corporate house joined in and helped Pilot develop a proper cricket school at the divisional stadium, equipped with proper net facilities and gym.

Interestingly, Pilot decided that he would not buy expensive gym machines but build them locally. It is probably the only functional gym in Bangladesh with almost all the equipment made in the country.

Now players from Rajshahi are the most sought after and they are produced in truckloads.

It was one man's motivation that created it all, and when you play for the divisional team, you even have a dance ritual to show for. That's how Pilot has changed how the country sees Rajshahi.

by Mohammad Isam