Scotland kicked off their ICC T20 World Cup journey against the West Indies at the vibrant Eden Gardens in Kolkata yesterday, stepping onto a stage originally reserved for Bangladesh.
The absence of the sea of green, the red-and-green flags waving in the stands, and the thunderous chants of “Bangladesh, Bangladesh” created a stark contrast in the gallery.
Meanwhile, at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur a few hundred kilometers away, Bangladesh’s iconic band Miles took the stage as a different kind of event unfolded, focused on healing rather than celebration.
Opting out of the T20 World Cup, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) anticipated the disappointment and heartbreak among fans. To address this void, they hastily organized the Odommo Bangladesh T20 Cup, a three-team tournament showcasing national team players and rising talents.
The concept was straightforward – day matches, returning crowds, and evening songs filling the air. However, the reality did not align with expectations.
The Mirpur stadium, known for its lively atmosphere, was eerily quiet. The silence prevailed in a venue built for 25,000 spectators, with empty seats symbolizing unfulfilled promises.
Despite impeccable lighting and arrangements, the stadium felt empty, as true meaning comes from the heart, which still yearned for the World Cup.
Amidst the silence, Miles took the stage. Established in the 1990s, the band’s popularity in the city is undeniable, transcending generations through various mediums. Their performance in Mirpur revealed a disconnect between popularity and actual attendance.
The hurried nature of the tournament’s organization contributed to this disparity, lacking adequate promotion and planning, failing to generate excitement. The residual disappointment of missing the World Cup overshadowed the event, hindering full participation.
The emptiness persisted throughout the five-day tournament, with renowned acts like Warfaze and Mila gracing the stage but failing to draw substantial crowds.
The fans’ indifference conveyed a clear message: this event could not fill the void left by the absent World Cup.
Playing to such a sparse audience was likely a unique experience for Miles. The applause at the end lacked enthusiasm, highlighting the absence of shared emotion or cathartic release.
The night in Mirpur was not just about a disappointing concert but a failed attempt at solace. The BCB’s endeavor to compensate for the missed World Cup with music and a domestic tournament did not resonate with the audience.
The longing for the World Cup among cricket enthusiasts in the country remains profound, an emotion that cannot be easily replaced or transformed into a mere festival.
