Sports had come to a standstill in the country due to the coronavirus pandemic but little by little people were getting back into the grounds, lured by their propensity to the excitement induced by sports.

This was evident when Bangladesh Police took on Bangladesh Ansar in the final of the fourth National Baseball Championship at the Paltan Maidan today. The bright and colourful game drew expectant crowds with members of Police and Ansar also present.

Photo: Firoz Ahmed

The baseball game drew quite a good crowd however most of the attendants had come without a mask. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Near the periphery of the baseball final, there was a curious cricket practice session taking place on the cement pitch, with 11-year-old Sheikh Yaamin Sinan bowling a few leg-spinners to a burkha-clad woman. On inquiry, it was found that the woman, named Jhorna Akhter was the mother of the child.

Photo: Firoz Ahmed

The duo took their turns with both the bat and ball, with Sinan particularly proud of being able to castle his mother with a turner. Sinan brought out the Afridi-like celebrations for good effect.

The child, as it turned out, was a student of a nearby madrasa from Arambagh called Al Karim International Madrasa. He also belonged to the Kabi Nazrul Cricket Academy and came to attend cricket class. Since his mates or coach had not arrived yet, he had decided to get warmed up with a game against his mother.

The duo were waiting for the baseball game to be over before Sinan's class could have a game of their own in the field.

Bangladesh Ansar celebrate winning the title. Photo: Firoz Ahmed