‘Everyone becomes a cricket expert during Eid’

2015 was the first time when I was away from my family during Eid. I saw my seniors were enjoying the occasion but I was very sad. The night before Eid, I didn't feel like going anywhere but I reminded myself that this sacrifice is part of my job.

Eid is a festival that bestows many a welcome break from their everyday hustle and bustle as they immerse themselves in celebrating the occasion with their loved ones. The experience is no different for the captain of the Bangladesh women's cricket team although, on a lighter note, the in-depth analysis of the game doesn't fail to surround Nigar Sultana Joty even during the Eid days.

"From family members to relatives, everyone becomes a cricket expert during Eid!" Joty could not help but laugh as she began sharing her Eid related experiences with The Daily Star.

"Ever since my elder sister got married, I had a lot of household duties to fulfil. During Eid, I usually wake up early to help my father and brother prepare for their prayer. Then I try to cook some dishes with my mother and serve the guests when they visit our home.

"Many relatives from Dhaka and my hometown gather at our place and, when I'm home, the discussion is all about cricket. Everyone throws their opinions and suggestions at me like serious cricket analysts!"

Having led the Tigresses through an impressive maiden World Cup campaign in New Zealand recently this year, the cricketer from Mymensingh is thoroughly stoked at the prospect of celebrating Eid properly after two years as the Covid-19 pandemic situation has improved considerably.

"I think this year, I can celebrate Eid wholeheartedly with my entire family. The last two years were very difficult as my relatives couldn't gather together due to lockdown protocols. Also, this Eid is very special for me because I could shop for the whole family from abroad," a delighted Bangladesh skipper said.

Being a professional cricketer, Joty had to spend Eid vacation away from her family on multiple occasions. The 24-year-old recollected the bittersweet memories overseas and was grateful to her teammates for having made those occasions memorable. 

"2015 was the first time when I was away from my family during Eid. I saw my seniors were enjoying the occasion but I was very sad. The night before Eid, I didn't feel like going anywhere but I reminded myself that this sacrifice is part of my job.

[Related read: Minds on duty, hearts left at home, where archer Diya and weightlifter Mabia add to perspectives]  

"But [Fargana Hoque] Pinky apa and Ritu Moni stood by me and tried to uplift my mood since I was very young at that time. The next morning they got up really early and bought a rice cooker from somewhere and cooked Shemai [a traditional dessert, also known as Vermicelli] and noodles for me. When I woke up, I was very surprised upon seeing their gesture," she recalled.

The skipper also mentioned that the cricket board president had sent 'Salami' to all female cricketers during Eid ul-Adha of 2019 while they were playing away from home.

[Related read: The many shades of Eid - focuses on the Tigers' point of view] 

Joty considers Eid's excitement during childhood to be a lot different as preparations for the festival used to begin three or four days ahead. However, spending good times with her family and friends is what she would prioritise this time. "I haven't made any special plans yet for this Eid. I used to listen to music and watch television shows all day back in the past. I think I will go out with my friends in the evening, although I don't like crowded places much."

[Related read: My Eid starts soon after I reach home - is based on footballer Jibon's side of things]