Would have had a heart attack: Hassan

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan Papon said that he might have had a heart attack had he witnessed Bangladesh's disastrous start on the opening day of their second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur today. 

Bangladesh, at one stage, were reeling at 24 for five in the first session of the day's play.

"First, let me see a heart specialist as I need to consult with a cardiologist. After that, I can talk," said the BCB boss, who, along with International Cricket Council (ICC) Chair Greg Barclay, attended a press conference following the end of the day's play.

"The moment Prime Minister [Sheikh Hasina] messaged me saying, 'Congratulations to Liton', I was wondering what happened. I was scared to see [the game at that time] as Liton had missed his ton marginally last time.  Then I saw Apa's other text that read: 'Congratulations to Mushfiqur [ Rahim].' This is a new experience for Greg [seeing the PM's passion for cricket] as we are a cricket-loving nation," Hassan added.

Courtesy of Mushfiqur and Liton's unbeaten centuries, the Tigers staged a great comeback and eventually ended the day's play on 277 for five. 

Asked if Hassan was stressed seeing Bangladesh struggling, the BCB president jokingly said, "If I was present at the ground that time, I would have had a heart attack. Thank god, I was not as I was in the Prime Minister's office. 

"The Prime Minister asked me about the game, I said Apa, I don't have the courage to watch the game. Obviously, I was in a shock. But the way Liton and Mushfiqur batted, it deserves special appreciation."