Tamim calls for spirit

Almost all the excitement of the inter-club cricketers transfer was virtually buried much before the start of the official bourse after all the big clubs ensured their targeted players. However there was no shortage of enthusiasm among the supporters on the second day of the transfer when title contenders Mohammedan SC turned up yesterday to complete their formalities at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.
Mohammedan, who have remained crownless since their last Premier League triumph in 2001, put on a huge show yesterday in the stadium arena as hundreds of supporters followed the horsecabs that carried star cricketers likes Tamim Iqbal, Mohammad Ashraful, Mahmudullah Riyad, Aftab Ahmed, Khaled Mashud and others.
“Once I would expect such scenario especially the way Mohammedan have brought us in the stadium for the players’ registration and the dream has come true,” said left-handed opener Tamim Iqbal, for whom Mohammedan had earlier staged a drama to snatch the specialist batsman from the grip of their archrivals Abahani.
Mohammedan, in a bid to put an end to their seven-year crown drought, have formed a fine side on paper after having signed up 10 new players as well as retaining the services of five old guards.
But Tamim stressed the need for a hundred percent effort from the players and stressed the need for spirit that was in the Abahani camp during his last year there.
“It is impossible to achieve success until all players perform together, even you form a strongest side on paper and the key of the success is team spirit what I saw in Abahani during my stay there,” said Tamim adding that it was possible to emerge champions this season.
Tamim believed that Abahani, Gazi Tank Cricketers, Surjo Torun and Biman also formed good sides and Mohammedan would have to play better cricket against every side on way to their target.
Captain Khaled Mashud Pilot, who had the experience to lead Abahani and Victoria to the title triumph, believed that Mohammedan had earlier had some lacking, but this time they formed a balanced team and now need the efforts from the players.
“If the cricketers can play their own game, the success will come automatically,” Mashud said, “I had earlier seen the Mohammedan players could not perform well according to their merit, and this time I will share my experience with each of the players to bring the best from them.”
Hard-hitter Aftab Ahmed was much more happy to return to the mainstream cricket after his one-year exile to the ICC un-approved Indian Cricket League (ICL).
“I forgot everything of the past year after having practiced with the Mohammedan team today (Wednesday) and it seems to me that I was not out of the domestic cricket. To be honest, I feel really better after a long time, ” said Aftab Ahmed.
He was also determined to return to the national fold.
“I know it very well what will I have to do and if I can perform well, it will not be hard to secure a place of the national team.”
Mohammedan have signed up ten new players. They are Tamim, Ashraful, Mashud, Riyad, Imtiaz Khan, Nabil Samad, Raihan Uddin Arafat, Saqlaine Sajib and Shahajada Hossain.
Surjo Torun signed up three players including national pacer Mahbubul Alam Robin on the second day with captain Habibul Bashar and Dhiman Ghosh accompanying the three cricketers.
“I would try to retain the results what the club achieved last season though it would be challenging,” said Bashar, who is all set to captain Surjo Torun this year.
Dhiman Ghosh, who was once mired in controversy amidst his comments during joining the ICL, said that he was now feeling remorse for his comments and that he was determined to return to the national fold through good performance.
Besides, Old DOHS roped in 13 players and Victoria recruited nine players on the second day bourse.

Courtesy of The Daily Star