Tigers off to Colombo
Sports Reporter
A 15-member Bangladesh cricket team left the city yesterday for Colombo to take part in the Asia Cup this month.Habibul Bashar's men will get 15 days for preparation in the emerald island before the regional cricket carnival starts on July 16. Coach Dav Whatmore left Dhaka a day before because of his son's illness. The Australian-born Sri Lankan will join the team after its arrival in Colombo. Batting coach Owen Mottau, who made an impressive contribution to the late order batsmen, is expected to join the team in Bangkok. Three cricketers -- captain Habibul Bashar, Khaled Mahmud and Javed Omar Belim --were accompanied by their spouses. The Tigers will play three practice matches against local selections on July 6, 9 and 12. Bangladesh have been pencilled in Group A with reigning champions Pakistan and minnows Hong Kong while the other group comprises with India, Sri Lanka and United Arab Emirates.
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MARRIED GUYS HAVE ALL THE LUCK! (L) It was a different kind of departure for certain members of the Bangladesh cricket team yesterday. Usually near ones see them off at the airport. However, this time around wives and children were accompanying the married players to Sri Lanka. No wonder skipper Habibul Bashar, opener Javed Omar and all-rounder Khaled Mahmud can't stop smiling! Meanwhile back in the bachelors' club (R), Alok Kapali and Abdur Razzak were busy talking on their cell phones, probably saying bye to beloved family members (or girlfriends!). PHOTO: Anisur Rahman |
