Depression hits cricket fans

Inclement weather played a part for the first time in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) yesterday when both the games were washed out without a ball being bowled at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.

The overcast conditions accompanied by light drizzle throughout the day, a contributing effect of a low over the Bay, meant that the four teams -- Khulna Titans, Sylhet Sixers, Dhaka Dynamites and Chittagong Vikings -- evenly shared one point each much to the disappointment of the country's cricket followers.

The first game between Khulna and Sylhet was called off twenty minutes before the cut-off time. The second game turned out to be a big disappointment for leaders Dhaka as they were looking forward to smooth sailing against Chittagong, who are languishing at the bottom of the seven-team table with one win from five games.

With the damp weather dictating terms at Mirpur, the players turned to indoor activities. The players of Khulna Titans enjoyed a fun game with a football inside the dressing room while a few Dhaka Dynamites players, including skipper Shakib Al Hasan, had a serious session at the indoor facilities adjacent to the venue. Bangladesh's inspirational one-day captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, who is leading Rangpur Riders in the BPL, was engaged in an animated adda, he is famous for.

Although the country has experienced an extended rainy season this year, November leading up to February is considered the best time for uninterrupted cricket under glorious sunshine. The depression, which is at the moment moving along the south coast of India, might not be as powerful as to lash Bangladesh over the next couple of days. But Dhaka might experience another damp day. However if the rain stays away, which is a possibility, the BPL can have a field day with another double-header at the home of cricket in Mirpur billed for today. Rajshahi Kings are scheduled to take on Sylhet Sixers in the first match while Khulna will face Chittagong in the second fixture under lights.