Published: Sep 21, 2015, 03:21 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 21, 2015, 09:03 PM (IST)
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) media manager Rabeed Imam spoke to CricketCountry a day after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) interim-President Jagmohan Dalmiya passed away at the age of 75. Speaking about the late BCCI chief, Imam said, “Bangladesh cricket’s relation with Dalmiya has never been restricted to work. It was more than professional relation. Dalmiya has always wanted the betterment of Bangladesh cricket. We at Bangladesh cricket are saddened and heartbroken at the demise of the BCCI chief. Dalmiya have always wished a bright future for our cricketers and even if there was any tough time after the World Cup, he never let it affect the relationship between BCCI and BCB.” READ: Jagmohan Dalmiya: Indian cricket’s first Godfather
Speaking about the country’s first Test on Indian soil in 2017, Imam said, “Dalmiya wanted Bangladesh to play its first Test match India at Eden Gardens. However, whenever Bangladesh plays at Eden, we will remember Dalmiya’s contribution.” Bangladesh played their first Test against India at Dhaka, after receiving Test status back in 2000. Dalmiya, then ICC President, was instrumental in overseeing the gain of their Test status.
Dalmiya’s contribution in developing Bangladesh cricket was substantial. When asked if Bangladesh will ever name a series after Dalmiya, Imam said, “We cannot say that now but we will think about it. The BCB President [Nazmul Hassan] is personally very hurt. Bangladesh will never forget Dalmiya.” Dalmiya, the longest reigning BCCI president of all time, passed away of a heart attack, at the age of 75 on Sunday. His passing marks the end of one of the most astute and insightful administrators in cricketing history. He was the man who made BCCI the most powerful cricketing board.
(Sandipan Banerjee is a reporter at CricketCountry. Cricket has been the biggest passion for him since his childhood. So, when it came to choosing his career, he chose to turn his passion into his profession. Apart from cricket he likes mountain trekking, river rafting, and photography. His twitter handle is @im_sandipan)
