Akbar lost his sister two days before Bangladesh U-19’s group stage game against Pakistan, on January 24
Bangladesh U-19 cricket team captain Akbar Ali led from the front in the final of the U-19 World Cup against India at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom Sunday.
His unbeaten 43 guided his side to victory, and came at just the right time when the young Tigers were struggling after the fall of a couple of quick wickets.
The right-handed batsman was rightly lauded for his performance in the grand finale, but admiration for the Bangladesh U-19 captain doubled once the news of his sacrifice came to light on both social and mainstream media.
In a tragic turn of events during the global age-level tournament, Akbar lost his sister, who died while giving birth to twins.
Putting aside the sorrow of his sister’s death, the Bangladesh U-19 skipper focused on the task at hand – leading his country in the world event.
Akbar lost his sister two days before Bangladesh U-19’s group stage game against Pakistan, on January 24.
The tragic news was informed to the team management but upon request from his family, Akbar was kept in the dark over this so that he could concentrate on his game.
Akbar was informed following the Pakistan game and astonishingly, the cricketer chose to stay back in South Africa and lead from the front.
Member of the Bangladesh U-19 team, Mrittunjoy Chowdhury said the entire team broke down in sorrow after hearing the news but that it was Akbar who kept his emotions in check, and tried to keep the team together in that moment of adversity.
“Apu [Akbar’s sister] died two days before the Pakistan game. But his family had decided not to inform him that. He got a call following the game against Pakistan and the whole team broke down into tears,” said Mrittunjoy.
“All of us were upset when Akbar told us to not think about it and focus on the tournament ahead. He reminded us that we were there to win the World Cup,” Mrittunjoy added.
Mrittunjoy said Akbar by character is an introvert and doesn’t flash his emotions in public.
“He likes to hold onto his emotions. Doesn’t talk much and he had told us not to talk about it. It is a matter of pride to play under a captain like him,” said Mrittunjoy, who had to return home due to injury halfway through the tournament.
https://www.dhakatribune.com/sport/...bar-the-pillar-of-strength-for-bangladesh-u19
