Language and culture often intertwine, as highlighted by the peculiar way Bengali speakers bid farewell. The use of the word “Ashi,” meaning “coming,” before leaving, reflects a temporary goodbye, suggesting that the person intends to return soon. This reluctance to bid a straightforward farewell mirrors the trend in Bangladesh cricket, where many players seem to struggle with retiring from the game, often lingering longer than expected.
The nature of retirements in Bangladesh cricket has long been erratic. Many players have found it difficult to formally say goodbye to the game. Mohammad Rafique, one of Bangladesh’s finest left-arm spinners, announced his retirement in 2008 after a series against South Africa. Despite being past his prime, Rafique believed he still had more to contribute to the national team. However, a rift with some officials led him to step away from the game, not in the most ceremonious way. His case is not unique, as several other players, including Aminul Islam Bulbul and Javed Omar Belim, have faced similar fates, with many cricketers being unceremoniously dropped or never given the chance for a proper farewell.
Modern Retirements: Social Media Over Traditional Press Conferences
The retirement process has evolved in recent years. In the past, retiring cricketers would typically call a press conference to announce their exit. However, in the modern era, a simple social media post has become the preferred method of announcing retirement. Recent examples include Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Tamim Iqbal, all of whom made their retirement announcements through social media platforms. Even Tamim, who initially tried to follow tradition by holding a press conference, reversed his decision within a day. Despite his return, his international career saw little action before he eventually announced his final retirement. Similarly, Shakib Al Hasan’s retirement plans have been disrupted, leaving his international career in limbo. This shift in how players retire indicates a growing trend of informal goodbyes, marking the end of a notable era in Bangladesh cricket.
