As Independence and Victory Day celebrations approach, the familiar sight of former cricketers gathering at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla Stadium never fails to delight fans. These reunions traditionally centre around an exhibition match, allowing retired stars to relive their glory days and entertain spectators with flashes of past brilliance. This year was no exception.
In the Independence Day exhibition match, the Red Team emerged victorious, defeating the Green Team by 123 runs in a match that celebrated camaraderie as much as competition.
Batting first, the Red Team posted a commanding total of 213 for 5 in a display of powerful and precise stroke play. Mohammad Rafiq, returning to the stadium with his trademark flair, scored a rapid 50 off just 24 balls, igniting the innings. He was well supported by Nasir Uddin, who contributed 84 from 53 deliveries, and Mohammad Ashraful, who added 25 off 22 balls.
The Green Team struggled to keep up in response, being bowled out for 90 in just 15.2 overs. Their top scorer, Shahriar Nafis, managed 33 runs off 19 balls, while Red Team’s former national spinner Rafiq starred with the ball, taking 4 wickets for 18 runs. Fellow ex-national players Ilyas Sani also claimed five wickets, ensuring the match remained a one-sided affair despite the exhibition nature.
| Team | Top Scorer (Runs/Balls) | Other Notable Contributions | Total Runs | Wickets Taken |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red | Mohammad Rafiq 50/24 | Nasir Uddin 84/53, Ashraful 25/22 | 213/5 | Rafiq 4, Ilyas Sani 5 |
| Green | Shahriar Nafis 33/19 | – | 90 all out | – |
Beyond the scoreboard, the event was rich in emotion and nostalgia. During the toss, Red Team captain Mohammad Rafiq and Green Team captain Abdur Razzak posed for photographers, while players observed a minute of silence in memory of martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the Liberation War. They also stood together respectfully during the national anthem, a poignant reminder of cricket’s enduring role in national pride.
Fans were treated to classic moments: Rafiq’s signature aggressive batting, Ashraful’s deft sweeps reminiscent of his international days, and Faruk Ahmed, former national cricketer and BCB vice-president, shadowing the Green Team off the field in mentoring capacity.
The match concluded with handshakes under the national flag, as organisers and players celebrated both sport and national unity, proving that even in retirement, these cricketers continue to inspire.