Is cricket a passion or a craze for Bangalis?

No matter how popular the Bangla word 'hujug' (craze) is, it cannot be denied that it has considerable substance. People can often show craze for reasons, but the traditional nature of the average Bangalis is to rant about anything for no reason. In most cases it is done without any understanding. And now social media has become a wide platform for Bangalis to carry on gossip, slander and display of knowledge. It is quite fine to talk about issues you have proper idea, but people start expressing opinion about everything, no matter how much they khow about it.

Cricket has become the prime active topic to show affection or to express opinion about. This game introduced by the British has become the absolute love of the bewildered Bangalis. As the game gains growing popularity, it has been able to have a considerable impact on social life. Bangladesh's position in the world of cricket is not at ignorable. As we don’t get much opportunity to get involved in the international arena, from that point of view, cricket has become an excellent medium for us to get in touch even though the range is limited. There is an endless passion for this game. Who else would leave such an opportunity to assert wisdom? Whether it is a Bangali emotion or a craze, that is of course a matter of discussion. Apparently there is no dearth of excitement or fervor about cricket. It is not unusual to have it. It reflects Bangalis' passion for the game. There is logic, creativity and a kind of beauty in the expression of those who love cricket and are enthralled by its successes and failures.

There are many people like me who know a little about the technical aspects of any game, not just cricket. To understand that there is an inherent urge to understand the opinions of experts in the respective sports. In particular, there is no reason not to consider the opinions of those who analyze or give opinions before a game to be extremely important. There is an opportunity to compare their analysis or opinions during the game. The game is no longer a simple math. For good reason, not everything is supposed to match. However, if the game is very consistent with the formulas given by them, it can be understood that he really understands or can understand the game. A kind of spiritual bond develops with him or them. But after the game, those who show irrational erudition or indulge in their feelings for no reason, are considered very harmful to the sport. Especially those who played or were closely involved with the sport in question, his or her childish opinions are highly misleading. As if this would happen, they already knew. He did not feel the urge to inform then. No sane person can have such an attitude. But it is not unreasonable to expect logical and constructive analysis or opinion from him or them.

His or their opinion in the light of experience may help us who understand a little about the game. Unfortunately, the truth is, most cases are disappointing. Personally, I think those who do this are opportunistic and vengeful. Perhaps their strategy is different. Political, economic, social or personal issue is made a tool through cricket. By capitalizing on cricket strategically, he got an opportunity to spread his attitude or message to many people. He tried to tarnish cricket by using it. Others are not driven by emotion, but by instinct. After hearing 'Kan niye gelo chile' (believing anything blindly), he ran after it without checking anything. He comments whatever he wants without using his thoughts, conscience and sense of consideration. This popularity is not at all promising for cricket. Collectively, if negative or inconsiderate attitudes towards cricket are fostered, it weakens cricketers mentally.

Bangladesh's performance in the Cricket World Cup organized in India is now a hot topic. Social media platforms are full of excitement about this. Bangladesh team is not the top favorite in the highest tournament of cricket. But the performance of the Tigers in the last four World Cups gives enough hope. They made a hype by defeating teams like India, South Africa and England. Apart from this, they won three matches in each tournament. In light of that, it was expected that Bangladesh would play in the semi-finals this year. Expectations may or may not be met. Otherwise, you may be disappointed. But if it is not fulfilled, it would not be the end of the world.

Bangladesh's performance in the Cricket World Cup organized in India is now a hot topic. Social media is very excited about this. Bangladesh team is not the top favorite in the highest tournament of cricket. But the performance of the Tigers in the last four World Cups gives enough hope. India responded by defeating teams like South Africa and England. Apart from this, they won three matches in each tournament. In light of that, it was expected to play in the semi-finals this year. Expectations may or may not be met. Otherwise, you may be disappointed. But if it is not fulfilled, in the words of cricketer Tamim Iqbal, it does not end the world.

Starting from this year's team formation, many related issues become questionable. However, no matter how the team is structured, it is difficult to get rid of critics. But it cannot be said that the unreasonable criticism is in some cases. However, nothing was going right after the defeat against Afghanistan in the first match. Teams can lose against tough and strong opponents. But the way the Tigers were losing matches one after another without resistance, it was not normal at all. It is as if the cricketers forget to play under the evil spell of some evil wizard. A slight exception was Mahmudullah, the most senior cricketer in the team in terms of age. Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Taskin Ahmed could not do justice to their names around whom there are high expectations. Why the team lost its way, let alone the cricketers, the team management could not give an answer. Everyone a kind of surrenders helplessly. The coach and the cricketers have accepted the responsibility of the failure. Constructive criticism of the team's failures is not irrelevant. It gives a direction to reform or properly manage the team. This should be the attitude of critics. But the manner in which individuals were targeted from the start was not cricketing at all. Even after the victory against Sri Lanka, the intensity of the criticism did not diminish. In the name of criticism, there is an extreme display of disinterestedness. The cricketers have probably done a great injustice by coming to play. Each of them is like a robot, they have to play and move according to the mood of the critics. Is this attitude a reflection of healthy mentality?

The most criticized among the cricketers is the captain Shakib Al Hasan. However, there is no reason to criticize his performance this time. He himself is probably responsible for that. Many people are unable to accept his current performance as he had set a higher standards. He took 11 wickets along with the third highest 606 runs in the 2019 World Cup. He was undoubtedly the best all-rounder. The same was expected this time. He could not fulfill it. However, against Sri Lanka, he brought victory to the team with his all-round skill. A total of 186 runs and 9 wickets is not satisfactory for a cricketer like him. He mainly became the target of critics due to the exclusion of Tamim Iqbal from the team. It can be debated, but is there anyone who can replace Shakib as a cricketer? There is no reason not to accept him as the best cricketer in the history of Bangladesh. Because, he has proved himself to be the best in ICC ranking. Just because of him, other players of the team, team management, selectors, officials have also become the target of critics. Specific grievances may lead to constructive criticism. But what kind of mentality this is to hurl verbal abuse or attack personally in the name of criticism?

A well-known cricket theorist, CLR James of Trinidad and Tobago, wrote with deep insight in his famous book 'Beyond a Boundary', 'How much of cricket do they know, who know only cricket?' But those who are attracted to cricket as part of fun, entertainment and madness will have a passion for the game. There will be sincerity. There will be love. It will also have an aesthetic expression. But without understanding the meaning and dignity of a large part, craze is inclined to cricket. That may not be a bad thing. However, becoming a harsh critic without understanding anything about the game creates problems. Of course, those who understand the game and act like fools are more dangerous than them.

Author: Editor, Krirajagat