Fatullah sets the tone

The Tigers are all set to mark their return to ODI cricket after a year's sabbatical. They will take the field at the home of Bangladesh cricket in Mirpur against Afghanistan on Sunday for the first of three one-day internationals. But even before they take the field signalling excitement levels to reach a fever pitch, the festive spirit already returned among the fans turning up in droves to enjoy the lone practice match at the Fatullah Cricket Stadium on Friday.

The Afghans are no heavyweights; they are actually embarking on their first series against Bangladesh. Nor did the BCB XI, a virtual second-string national team, have any big names in the line-up. Still, cricket fans on the outskirts of the city turned up in numbers with many of them buying a Tk 50 face value ticket for Tk 100.

It was not that tickets were unavailable, but most of them turned to scalpers to avoid the hassle of standing in long queues extending from the make-shift counters to about a kilometre away from the venue. Although the 10,000 capacity venue was not packed, considering the gravity of the contest and the opposition the attendance speaks volumes about how passionately Bangladesh fans follow their cricket.

Fatullah has always attracted huge crowds, be it for a practice match, an ODI, a T20I or a Test. The venue was almost packed when Bangladesh launched their stunning home dominance with a practice game against Pakistan at this very ground last year. The BCB XI at that time actually set the tone of a magnificent year by winning that cracker of a game with one Sabbir Rahman plundering 123 off 99 balls to seal a sensational one-wicket victory. A new season, a new start and the Tigers' fans are back to root for their beloved team.