DHAKA, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- Cricket in Bangladesh is more than just a game; it is deeply woven into the nation's cultural fabric, transcending differences and uniting people across the south Asian country.
Bangladesh's national cricket team, affectionately known as the Tigers or Bangla Tigers, embodies the spirit of the nation. Today, cricket is played in virtually every nook and corner of the country, which is home to 170 million people, from the bustling areas of the capital Dhaka to rural villages.
Children often play in Dhaka's narrow alleyways with makeshift equipment like wooden bats and tennis balls, dreaming of one day representing the national team. Salman Rahman Rafsan is one such child who recently spoke to Xinhua about his aspirations.
"I started playing cricket with my friends, initially in the front yard of my house," said the 11-year-old while playing on a club ground in Dhaka. "So from that point slowly my interest in cricket increased and I joined this club."
For Rafsan, cricket is not just a source of joy but a platform for pursuing big dreams. "I will try to earn a spot on the national team," he said.
Following Bangladesh's independence in 1971, the establishment of the Bangladesh Cricket Board in 1972 marked the beginning of organized cricket in the country. The creation of the National Cricket League in 1999-2000 and Bangladesh's full membership of the International Cricket Council in 2000 further propelled the sport's development.
This progress has inspired many like Rafsan to take up the game. Barnil Saha Barno, a 13-year-old aspiring cricketer, shared his own aspirations.
"I'm in eighth grade and have been playing cricket for three years," he said while playing with friends in Dhaka.
"Cricket is my favorite game because I can keep myself fit," he added.
The future of cricket in Bangladesh looks promising, thanks to a passionate fan base, a strong domestic league, and a growing pool of talent, according to Md Saiful Islam Khokon, a coach at Dhaka's leading City Club Cricket Academy.
Khokon, who has been coaching cricket for 14 years, said, "The batch I'm now practicing with is under 14. I like practicing with them, because it is much easier to prepare them for future."
He added that everyone loves cricket in Bangladesh, and said the sport has a profound influence on fostering social unity, and that the Bangladeshi people have a deep emotional connection with the sport. ■
