The first time I went abroad, most people thought I was an Indian, and I had to correct them every time by saying "I am from Bangladesh, a country bordering India". In reply, some knowledgeable foreigners would say, "Ah, the country of floods, eh!" and I would just nod my head. The last time I went abroad and was asked this question, I replied, "I'm from Bangladesh." The foreigners said, "That cricket-crazy country; how wonderful." I smiled. The world now knows Bangladesh for the right reasons. Following the win in the South Africa One-Day Series, it will be further established.
Cricket is said to be the second-most popular sport in the world after football. I believe that if we can market cricket, our country will be widely known by people all over the world.
But before branding the game, we should make way for banks to try and invest in more promising talents. There are promising players who could not prolong their career due to lack of financial backing. If banks and financial institutions could back such players, our country could produce many more match-winning players.
How can we brand cricket? Well, there are numerous ways. Firstly, foreigners and non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) may be encouraged to come to Bangladesh to watch cricket matches. This could be done through an online website wherefrom these people could buy tickets in foreign currencies. This will be a source of foreign currency income as well. About 5.0 per cent of tickets will be reserved for the foreigners. A separate section of the stadium could be assigned for foreigners or NRBs.
Branding could also be done by setting up cricket souvenir shops around Dhaka, especially at 5-star hotels. In this way, foreigners will immediately understand the importance of cricket in the country. If our team continues to do well in future, a cricketing museum could be set up, which may include books about the game, and pictures of some historic cricketing moments.
The reason for me to emphasise on the investment in and the branding of cricket is not only because our team is playing well, but because sports is something that unites any nation. Whenever a Bangladesh match is being held we see hordes of people around television screens to try and catch a glimpse of the Tigers playing. People may disagree on political and other arenas, but when it comes to sports there is nothing but agreement.
Over the years Bangladesh has made incredible strides. But development should not be measured through economic growth and other economic indicators only. Things have to be looked at from social and cultural perspectives as well.
Development of sports may also be considered as a growth indicator and as Bangladesh strives to develop rapidly, this may be a good way to show that we are on the right track.
Cricket has brought a smile on our faces. And I believe, if cricket is marketed properly, the whole world will know why all of us are smiling.
The writer is a student of Class - IX, Sunbeams School, Dhaka.
tahseen_cricket@hotmail.com
The marketing of cricket
Tahseen Rashid | Published: July 23, 2015 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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