Blind passion given sight

Blind from infancy, 19-year-old Bangladeshi cricket fan Samiul Islam finally had the opportunity to see his favourite team in action on Sunday after his eyesight was restored following an operation funded by a reality TV show.

Hailing from a poor labourer's family in northern Sherpur district, Samiul was brought to Mirpur stadium in the capital to fulfil his dream of watching the Tigers play in the second ODI against England yesterday after his eyesight was successfully restored.

A reality show named Shwapno Dekhe Chokh (Eyes see the dream) funded Samiul's treatment in cooperation with international charity Sightsavers.

"I used to listen to commentary on the radio and TV. Whenever there was a big match I would go before the TV set. I could not see the game, but for sure, I could hear the commentary and feel the thrill," Islam told AFP during the match yesterday.

When asked by the donors what he wished to see first after his operation, Islam said he would love to watch a Bangladesh match live.

"Today my dream came true."