Victorious B’desh team showered with gifts

Bangladesh’s national cricketers have been showered with gifts including new cars and plots of land in the smartest part of the capital Dhaka after the team’s home series victory over New Zealand.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina hosted a reception for captain Shakib Al Hasan and his men late Tuesday after Bangladesh recorded their first series win over a major opposition team with a 4-0 clean sweep of one-day internationals.

“It’s a glorious accomplishment for the country. I’m so happy that I cannot express my delight,” Hasina said as she handed car keys to players.

“I was working and watching the last match on television. I could not hold my excitement when it all came down to four runs in four balls.”

Banks and big companies have also plied the team with gifts and cash prizes.

Shakib, 23, who was the man of the series, got two cars and extra bonuses.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board also presented bonus money of 5,000 dollars to each member of the side, board spokesman Jalal Yunus told AFP.

“The cash award is for winning four matches and the series,” Yunus said.

Bangladesh is hosting the cricket World Cup with India and Sri Lanka between February and April next year.

DHAKA, Bangladesh, AFP