The best cricketer in Bangladesh?

. PHOTO: AFP

Firstly let's address the question: what do I mean by the "best"? Well, the best cricketer would be the one who gives match winning and consistent performances, whose presence should be felt in the team, and team should feel handicapped without him. At the same time, his statistics should speak for themselves.

Bangladesh has won just 4 matches (against Pakistan, Kenya, Scotland and Zimbabwe) and there hasn't been one player who has provided winning performances in all of them. We can be sure that none of the above performers have been consistent if we have a look at their ODI status.

Does this bring us back to square one? Not really, in this letter I want people to think beyond the big names which we hear all the time. I want people to think of a performer who has always been in the Bangladesh team, but never been as popular as he deserves to be. The unsung hero. He played a vital role in 3 out of 4 victories, vital role in the Multan Test, vital role in all the matches whether Bangaldesh has been close to win or lose. One player who comes down to the field with his head high no matter in what situation Bangladesh is.

He is Mohammed Rafique, the highest one day wicket taker and the 2nd highest test wicket taker. Man of the match against Kenya, gives three runs an over on average in most of the games, bowled superbly against Pakistan in '99 and in the latest test serieses, in Australia and Zimbabwe. One of the most consistent bowler in terms of line, length and accuracy. Though his career has been dogged by controversy, his absence will definitely handicap Bangladesh.

I have been watching and keeping track of Bangladesh cricket for the past 10 years (half of my life), I now live in Canada, but still keep track of my favourite team.

I hope this letter is read by people who are in a position to make a difference. Well not getting too detracted and going back to the main topic: in my opinion, I rate Rafique as the best cricketer ever to be born in Bangladesh.