I was in attendance in Bangladesh team’s reception programme in Melbourne. Once again, we were able share our tears of joy and pride with the team when we sang ‘Amar Sonar Bangla’ together. When the players were called to the stage one by one there were cheers for every one of them.  It was perhaps a bit louder for Shakib, Rubel, Mushfiq, Riad and Taskin. However, the standing ovation was for the captain. The crowd cheered ‘Mashrafe Mashrafe’ and some chanting ‘Narail Express’. I paused for a moment, should we still call him ‘Narail Express’?

I met Mashrafe on a few occasions and I have nothing but admiration for him.  The way he conducts himself on and off the field is praiseworthy to say the least. As a person he is humble and a friendly. As a captain he is intelligent, affirmative and focused. The way he lead the team in this world cup was exemplary. I am aware of some criticism of his tactic, especially removing Rubel from the attack when the break was on the Indian peddle. However, I am sure Mashrafe had his own logic and on another day, I might have worked well. On a day when everything from the toss, repeated umpiring error, unruly crowd behaviour along with intimidating and partisan giant screen slogan goes against you, so can Mashrafe’s logical decision.

However, dissecting the match is not the intension of my writing. Enough has been spoken about it. I just want to reiterate the fact that Mashrafe is arguably the best captain Bangladesh has ever produced. Not only that, he is the best sporting leader of our history. When he plays, he plays with heart. When he runs with the ball in his hand, he runs with the countries hope on his shoulder. He has become the face of Bangladesh, carrying the hopes and aspirations of the nation.

Should we still call him the ‘Narail Express’? When he stormed in to the cricketing arena as a speedstar, he was fondly named the ‘Narail Express’ after his home town. His speed might have slowed down over the years. But from a youngster from Narail, now he has become the symbol or our cricketing pride. Perhaps, it is the time to redefine him as the ‘Bangladesh Express’.

Perhaps we copied the idea from Shoeb Akter’s title ‘Rawalpindi Express’. We don’t have to copy the regionalist philosophy from Pakistan. Let us call him the ‘Bangladesh Express’, the title he deserves. Mashrafe may not be perfect, but who is?

shuvo.sharif@gmail.com

BDST: 2118 HRS, MAR 21, 2015