Greenidge recounts memories from 1997

Bangladesh's former coach Gordon Greenidge spoke today at The Daily Star Centre at a program organized by the Bangladesh Cricket Supporters' Association (BCSA) and he recalled some memories from the ICC Trophy which the Tigers had won to ensure qualification for the 1999 Cricket World Cup.

The legendary West Indian said that it was a really challenging task but he was glad to be a part of Bangladesh's success story.

Talking about the reception that the team got upon returning from Kuala Lumpur, Greenidge said: "Little did we know that winning the ICC trophy in Kuala Lumpur would create such an atmosphere in Dhaka."

Greenidge felt that it was a pity that he could not be part of Bangladesh cricket for a longer stint but suggested that although many were skeptical about the team's prospects, the players had the faith to make something happen.

"We know what happened after that [following the ICC trophy in 1997]. Bangladesh cricket has taken a new flight. it's just a pity that I couldn't be with you during that period as well.

"I am happy to be part of an association that I felt was at that time skeptical and hesitant of their own ability. But I think the players themselves knew that they had qualities that only needed to be exposed and this was done in Kula Lumpur," Greenidge recalled.

He also shared a comic memory regarding then BCB president Saber Hossain Chowdhury. The programme started with a few clips from that memorable final against Kenya and Greenidge said that he had never seen the president move as quickly as he did after the winning runs were scored.

"As we saw on the clip, it was the first time that the president Saber Hossain Chowdhury moved so quickly.

"As a matter of fact, we once thought he was going to get on the field and play the shot himself to make the winning runs.

"He was so enthusiastic throughout those last few minutes of the game," he said.