With the rain making the chance of any play increasingly difficult, Rameez Raza was reading a book sitting on the right corner of the press box. It was a quiet afternoon at the HPCA stadium. Only very few journalists had arrived. Commentators were passing a lazy time as there was no sign of play. Actually there was nothing to do for any one. I thought it was the best time to approach Raza, who has been one of the greatest critics of Bangladesh cricket team for the last few years. Raza may have known my face since we met several times at the corridor and elevator of Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium during recent Asia Cup. So he presented me with a smile when I told him that I want to speak. He just wanted to be sure what will be the subject of our conversation. ‘Bangladesh cricket’- I said. In the meantime sun came out. Raza’s co-commentator Alan Wilkins came to him and told that they will go on live broadcasting at 2:00pm. So, Rameez agreed to give me just five minutes. I said that’s fair enough. I asked him about his thought on Bangladesh team’s recent progress. ‘They have been upwardly mobile, very impressive. They seem to have a nice nucleus. Bowling has improved. You know you’ve got couple of good pacers. Mahmudullah is a great finisher obviously that helps,’ said Rameez. I told him that I have seen him commentating in Bangladesh’s first match against Afghanistan in the last World Cup. What are changes that he noticed in the team – I asked. ‘There is a lot of self belief, there is a bit of talent also come to the ranks. Some of the younger guys have got the ability to perform at the top level. Two three first class players in the team, for example I mean Sabbir [Rahman] is a very good find. Soumya [Sarkar] is a good attractive opener. I mean there are good bunch of players,’ he said. I asked him to comment on Bangladesh’s recent success over Pakistan. Rameez said, ‘Every win is an important win. They are a force to be reckoned with in the Asian block. Now if you talk about India Pakistan and Sri Lanka Bangladesh obviously come into the fray.’ Where you do you think they need to improve? ‘There is always room for improvement,’ he said. ‘Their level went up a little bit. I think the more they will play they better they will get. I mean it’s a great environment that they have now. Winning helps a lot, it develops temperament and quality.’ You have made some harsh comments about Bangladesh team in the recent past…. Rameez sensed I was turning to subject that he will not find very pleasing. ‘Sorry friend, I have got to go’ – he left without giving me a further chance to ask any question.
-With New Age input
