PM Hasina’s support means a lot to Tigers, says Shakib after historic victory over Australia

The prime minister’s love of cricket is seen as a huge support by the Tigers, Shakib Al Hasan said after Bangladesh’s first-ever win over Australia in Test.

Sports Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 30 August 2017, 12:19 PM
Updated : 30 August 2017, 01:39 PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, like in many previous matches, joined the army of fans cheering the Tigers on as they took on the Aussies on Wednesday.  

And as the victory arrived, she joyously waved the national flag in the VVIP lounge of Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

She then met the cricketers, patted Shakib’s back, for it was the ace allrounder’s show of left-arm spin bowling that sealed a victory for the Tigers.

“She always supports us, she really likes cricket. That is why she was here. She wanted to come yesterday, but couldn’t because of her work. She even tried to make it here when the game was about to end.”

“But Papon Bhai told her there were only few overs left, that why she didn’t come.

“This kind of support acts as huge inspiration. It is what a team needs to succeed. When the prime minister comes to our matches, we know that the entire nation is with us.”    

But the prime minister does more than just attend matches, said Shakib. She calls the Tigers, be it Shakib, Mushfique or Mashrafe, to convey her support when they are playing crucial matches abroad.