It was dark around. Mirpur Sherebangla Stadium flood slide closed. The surroundings were visible in the light show and fireworks. Flashes of light on one side, darkness on the other. Meanwhile, ‘Fortune Barisal, BPL Champion’ is flashing on the big screen.
The atmosphere was enhanced by DJ music. David Miller started dancing to the music. The South African threw away the bat, gloves and started moving his shoulders after wearing the pads. When such a big star of Fortune Barisal starts dancing in celebration of winning the title, why should the rest be standing!
One by one Khaled Ahmed, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mehdi Hasan Rana, Rakibul Hasan started accompanying Miller. Tamim Iqbal was watching this scene in front of Barisal’s dressing room at Mirpur Sherebangla Stadium after the BPL final last night. A smile of satisfaction on his face. When the Millers were dancing in front of the dressing room, Tamim came and hugged the dancing Miller alone. The Khaleds, however, did not stop. The non-stop dance was going on in the expression of joy!
Mehdi Hasan Miraj joined the dance team after a while. Miraj alone showed what is called a boisterous dance. At that time some people came with drums and surrounded Miraj. This all-rounder of Barisal is like the middle gem of dance!
Mahmudullah joined the dance with great arrangements. He asked the reporters who surrounded the Barisal team players to give some space. Then he also celebrated the joy of winning the title. Another experienced Mushfiqur Rahim was also danced by Khaledra.
The light show ended after ten minutes. The flood lights also came back on. Captain Tamim then got busy. Tamim gave a victory lap to the scattered players of Barisal. Khaled was found in the crowd. This pacer has danced the most among Barisal players. While telling him this, he was laughing and saying, ‘Hey, what are you talking about?’ Don’t dance! I have won the trophy, I have to dance.
Mahmudullah did not say much. With a wide smile on his face, he only said, ‘Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah.’ Mushfiq also thanked the Creator, ‘Everyone comes to play to win the title. Alhamdulillah Allah has helped us.’ David Miller also expressed his feelings in a few words, ‘Unbelievable moment. I can’t believe what’s happening.’ Miraj reminded me of what he had said before the BPL final. He was shouting in the local language of Barisal, “Didn’t I say I will take the trophy?”
England’s James Fuller was surrounded by a mass of journalists in a frenzy. Dance songs did not attract him much. He rather gave a small analysis of the final match, “It’s a great feeling. Nice to be part of the team. Look, there are many experienced cricketers in this team. I was in a difficult situation in chasing runs. But our two openers played very well. Especially did the captain play a great innings. I was a bit nervous when 20-25 runs were required. But now I feel very good.
Another foreigner, Kyle Meyers, remained silent. Joining late in the BPL, the Caribbean all-rounder played 6 matches. Among them, he won the man of the match award in 3 matches. If you want to write the story of changing the fate of Barisal, the name of this Caribbean will come first. He was also found in the crowd.
“Look, this is my first BPL,” Meyers muttered in Barbadian English. It was not easy for me to adjust here. But the atmosphere of the group was so organized that I felt like I was in a very familiar place. And from good atmosphere comes good performance. You can see that.
How healthy and good Barisal’s dressing room is, it is clear from the enthusiastic dancing of veterans like Mahmudullah and Mushfiq.