Can Mushfiqur make Sharjah memories fonder?

The Sharjah Cricket Stadium does not typically remind me of the masterclass from Sachin Tendulkar against Australia back in 1998 or the memorable clashes between India and Pakistan in the early 90s.

Sixteen years ago, this reporter had set foot at this classic arena for the very first time as the captain of the Bangladesh Under-15 team taking part in the Asia Cup. It was a dream come true for every member of that team, including Mushfiqur Rahim, now a batting stalwart of the senior national team.

With the passage of time I have transformed into a sports journalist and hence got one more opportunity to relive my Sharjah memories when I stepped into its iconic stadium yesterday.

Interestingly, the Tigers, who have not played an international game in Sharjah since 1995, will be playing their first-ever T20I at this historic venue today in their opening game of the Super 12 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup. So this will be the first match at this iconic venue for Mushfiqur, who is desperately looking to rediscover his form.

Despite being inside the press box, I could remember every nook and corner of the stadium with ease. The huge stands surrounding the lush green field made me nostalgic and took me back to 2005 when I played for my country.

Unlike the last time, I do not have the access to enter the ground as sports journalists are restricted to work within the press box, which is almost three storeys above the players' dressing room.

Although I do not mind the restrictions that much as I am able to reminisce my fond memories of Sharjah, and coupled with the fact that I could proudly tell my fellow sports journalists that I once played alongside my once teammate Mushfiqur at this historical venue. And I pray and hope that Mushfiqur rekindles his old flame and lights up the venue today with a memorable knock against Sri Lanka that helps Bangladesh to a victory in their first Super 12 match.