Familiar, but all too different

After exactly 125 days, I entered the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur yesterday as the country's premier cricket venue jolted back into life after the long break due to the coronavirus outbreak. Three cricketers -- Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mithun and Shafiul Islam – were training inside.

The first realisation was: I have to maintain social distancing and follow the new rules at the usually buzzing cricket venue. The makeshift arrangement for reporters provided ample evidence that we had entered the new normal, which was unlike anything I had seen as a professional sports reporter for the past decade.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had made a number of rules for the initial resumption of individual training. Only one player is allowed to train inside the stadium at a time, with just one trainer to help. There are separate seats, water bottles and toilets. No groundsman or board official is allowed inside the ground. A second player can only enter the ground once the first player is done training.

It may have been the start of the new normal, but when it came to Mushfiqur Rahim's eagerness to train, things remaining the same as before. The wicket-keeper batsman arrived well before his scheduled time after probably playing a big role behind encouraging the board to open training facilities across the country. His outdoor practice made it clear that a professional athlete could not train at home for an indefinite period of time.

Interestingly, while Mithun and Shafiul seemed uneasy on their first day of training, it seemed Mushfiqur had hardly enjoyed a break as he was at ease with each step.

For a change, it was not possible to go close to the player and get their reactions as the board has yet to start press conferences that maintain social distancing. It came either through a video message from the board or over a phone conversation.

"I was thrilled when I found out I could train at Mirpur. I did some normal things today because it is not wise to take a huge load on the first day back after such a long break. It's totally different from what I did at home for the past few months. On the other hand, today's experience is totally different as there used to be people around even when I was doing individual training before coronavirus. But today I am alone. It's difficult on the first day but I think after a few sessions everything will be okay," Mohammad Mithun said.

Pace bowler Shafiul was also excited by the return. "I was eagerly awaiting this day. The first day was tough but I am satisfied as I returned to the cricket field after a long break. Whatever you do at home, it's not same as here. I could start after Eid but I wondered how long I could wait. Overall it's a fantastic feeling."

Fears and risks remain as the coronavirus situation in the country has not improved much, but in the end, it felt like 'here I am up on the stage' again.