Goal setting and positive mindset

The increasing tendency to stir emotions regarding sports, athletes, and organizers is alarming. This is detrimental to the sports arena. Division, conflicts, and controversies at various levels weaken unity in sports. A diverse yet unified sporting community is not only aesthetically pleasing but also essential. Rushing into sports-related initiatives and decisions without understanding them fosters a negative mindset. Anticipating incidents that may hinder progress towards goals and becoming overly concerned about them is the definition of anxiety.

People fought the Liberation War to establish principles, rights, and ideals. History has witnessed a shift, and those of us who were young in 1971 experienced a sense of fulfillment. Being citizens of an independent Bangladesh has given us pride and self-respect. Unfortunately, the values and spirit of the Liberation War have not been upheld. Even after so many years, why has the nation been deprived of a fair and equitable sporting experience? This is a question the new generation deserves an answer to. The youth seek a sports sector that is goal-driven and purposeful. The question of our current position in sports is irrelevant. What matters is the direction we intend to take. The younger generation envisions the nation through the lens of sports.

We must break free from flawed thinking, jealousy, and superficial satisfaction in sports. The sports sector cannot always remain hostage to individuals, groups, and so-called "syndicates." The nation belongs to all, and so does the sports arena. The objective should be to establish a sustainable and thriving sports sector. When athletes excel in football, cricket, hockey, kabaddi, archery, shooting, or any other sport, the entire nation should rejoice together.

Football is the most popular sport in the country. It holds a rich history and tradition for Bengalis. However, it is disheartening that Bangladesh’s football has significantly lagged, even within South Asia. Over the past 22 years, the national team has failed to secure a regional title. If the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) successfully introduces innovative strategies and achieves positive results in South Asian football, it could mark the beginning of a new era. Such a revival would propel Bangladesh’s football forward in numerous ways.

BFF has taken the initiative to integrate players of Bangladeshi origin, residing in Europe and other countries, into the national team. If they voluntarily contribute their talents and potential, it could be a game-changer. This is not an unprecedented practice in international football. With FIFA’s approval, players have represented national teams in Europe, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, sometimes even after changing citizenship.

However, the initiative to include Bangladeshi-origin players has faced opposition and controversy. Some individuals within the football fraternity refuse to adopt a broader perspective and prioritize the greater interest of national football. Instead, they engage in biased narratives and cheap propaganda, which is unfortunate. Meanwhile, the country’s oldest and most popular club has failed to secure the necessary AFC license for the past two years—an issue of significant importance.

Those engaged in baseless criticism and sensationalism do not raise their voices against this fundamental problem. The claim that recruiting foreign-born players will ruin Bangladesh’s football is absurd. Instead, incorporating international-level players into the national team would bring global attention to Bangladesh in the football media. Local players would gain inspiration, and new opportunities would open up for them. We expect former players and those involved in football management to bring creativity and innovation to the table. Football must break free from ignorance. The greatest transformation begins with a shift in mindset.

After many years, FIFA has lifted its financial restrictions on the Bangladesh Football Federation, showing trust in its current governing body. This has freed BFF from an embarrassing situation. Now, the federation can apply for special projects from FIFA. The negative consequences of financial mismanagement have been evident for years. Football administrators have realized the repercussions of repeated mistakes. A senior football organizer, committed to positive change, has stated that once the mindset changes, everything else becomes easier.

Cricket, on the other hand, has seen five of its brightest stars fade away. Concern and uncertainty loom large. This has happened because the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) failed to plan for the future and set clear objectives. No player lasts forever; replacements must be prepared through short-term, mid-term, and long-term strategies. The wealthy and debt-free BCB neglected this crucial task. Instead, they focused only on short-term goals, leading to a crisis that now feels overwhelming. The media is vocal, and the blame game is in full swing. Had proactive measures been taken earlier, the situation would have been different—similar to how other cricket boards operate.

Now, BCB claims to be in the process of rebuilding the team, which will take time to fully stabilize. However, BCB’s contributions to cricket development have been minimal. Cricket is not a gamble. Former England captain and current cricket analyst Nasser Hussain recently stated, "Bangladesh remains where it was 15 years ago, whereas Afghanistan has made remarkable progress during this time. If they maintain this trajectory, they will soon dominate world cricket."

On March 15, BCB’s Cricket Operations Chairman, Nazmul Abedin Fahim, told Kaler Kantho, "The senior players will have to leave at some point. We have recently seen some new players with enough potential to represent the national team. The media often questions why certain players are not in the squad. This means we already have replacements. If we trust the newcomers, we will eventually find alternatives for Tamim and Mahmudullah."

He emphasized that doubting the capabilities of new players and assuming they can never match the veterans is a flawed approach. If such a mindset prevails, no new player will ever emerge. The key is to believe in the newcomers and acknowledge that they have earned their place on merit.

Mehedi Hasan Miraz said that players like Mashrafe, Shakib, Tamim, Mushfiq, and Mahmudullah have served the national team for many years and have taken the game to a new level. Now, the responsibility of elevating it further falls on the next generation. Despite years of participation, Bangladesh has not won a major trophy. Securing a big title would not only inspire cricket in the country but also bring about significant change in a short time. Victory does more than just motivate—it instills confidence. Keeping cricket on the right path is crucial. Miraz represents a bright future for Bangladesh cricket, and his words carry weight. He envisions a promising new era for the sport.

Ikramujjaman:Columnist and sports analyst. Former senior vice-president, AIPS Asia. Life-member, Bangladesh Sports Press Association