CWAB hosts reception for Bangladesh team after historic Australia Test win

Dhaka, 17 Sept - The Cricketers' Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) hosted a reception today at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium to honour the Bangladesh national cricket team following its historic Test victory over Australia in Darwin.

The reception and lunch were held at the Tigers Den of SBNCS, bringing together members of the victorious squad, coaching staff, team management and former and current cricketers.

CWAB presented commemorative souvenirs to the players and team management members before the gathering marked the historic victory by cutting a cake.

CWAB President Mohammad Mithun welcomed the guests and thanked those attending the event.

Syed Ashraful Haque, former chief executive of the Asian Cricket Council and former general secretary of the Bangladesh Cricket Board BCB), became emotional while recalling Bangladesh's early days as a Test playing nation.

"When we first got Test status, many people used to laugh at us. Many people thought, what will Bangladesh do after getting Test status? But now when I look back, I feel like we have really achieved a lot," Haque said.

Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons also reflected on the significance of the victory, saying memories of the match came flooding back when he saw photographs from the game.

"Having been here for the past year, I can understand how it felt in that dressing room," Simmons said, recalling the contributions of the players during the match.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto credited the team's success to the collective efforts of the players, coaching staff and selection panel. He also thanked CWAB and the BCB for organising the reception.

"Every player, coaching staff and everyone deserve a big credit. The way the selection panel is working, I would say that such a result is coming in a combination of everyone," Shanto said.

BCB President Tamim Iqbal said the Test victory carried particular significance for Bangladesh cricket, urging those present to consider the importance of the achievement in the context of the country's cricketing journey.

Former Bangladesh cricketer and commentator Athar Ali Khan described the victory over Australia as the biggest success in Bangladesh's cricket history while expressing optimism about further achievements.

"After seeing the results they achieved in Australia, you cannot deny that this is our biggest victory," Athar said. "I believe that these boys can achieve even bigger and better results in the future."

Former captain Khaled Mahmud Sujon attributed the team's confidence ahead of the Australia tour partly to its recent successes, including the series victory against Pakistan and strong performances at home.

Former captain and selection committee head Habibul Bashar Suman also said the players now possess greater confidence when facing Australia.

Bangladesh batter Liton Das said the team's approach remained focused on winning regardless of the format. The players were prepared to respond to opponents when necessary.BSS