Shakib is dreaming big about hockey

Boards bearing the logos of the franchise teams are lined up on either side of the stage. The host of the program called Shakib Al Hasan on the stage. Bangladesh’s biggest cricket star Shakib unveiled the Monarch Mart logo by removing the huge fabric curtain. Franchise league in Bangladesh cricket has started long ago. An initiative to launch a franchise league in football soon fizzled out. But this time franchise league is starting in hockey.

The official name of the tournament is Bangladesh Champions Trophy. The league is scheduled to begin at the Maulana Bhasani Stadium in late October. Ace, a subsidiary of the Bashundhara Group, bought the rights to the league from the Hockey Federation. A five-star hotel in the capital has been signed with the company for five years.

Ace Chief Patron and Bashundhara Group Vice Chairman Safwan Sobhan Tasvir handed over a check of Tk 1 crore to Acting General Secretary of Hockey Federation Mohammad Yusuf at the event. Abdus Sadek, former general secretary of Hockey Federation, former hockey star Pratap Shankar Hazra, Mahbub Harun, Rafiqul Islam and many others have been invited to the event. Hockey Federation President Air Force Chief Air Marshal Sheikh Abdul Hannan was present.

Six corporate teams Acme, Rupayan Group, Walton, Saif Powertech and Monarch Mart will play in this hockey franchise league. Bangladesh Hockey Federation will announce the name of the sixth team after a few days. One of these six teams, Monarch Mart is the company of cricketer Shakib.

Growing up in BKSP, Shakib closely watched hockey players Russell Mahmood (Jimmy), Mamunur Rahman (Choin). Even his roommate in BKSP was hockey player Imran Hasan (Pintu).

Shakib went back to those days of BKSP when he came to the contract signing ceremony today. Back said, “While studying in BKSP, I used to watch the games of Jimmy and Chayan brothers. My roommate was a hockey player. Many international tournaments were held in BKSP then. We all went to watch the game. I used to support BKSP party. When they won, we used to have a lot of fun in the hostel. These are really funny memories.

He said that he joined this tournament not only from a place of emotion, but also for the sake of improving hockey in Bangladesh.

Shakib said, ‘Being with the game is a big thing for us. And Bangladesh has the potential to do a lot in every field especially in sports. Everyone is trying from their own place. We also started trying from our place. We have a lot of potential in hockey. We are ranked 27th in the world. 16 countries play the World Cup. So playing in the World Cup is not a far-fetched thing. I believe if hockey is properly promoted and everyone takes initiative, then we can play in the World Cup.

Shakib wants to see his team Monarch Mart champion in the tournament, because I have taken a team. We will be concerned with how the players in this team perform well and if we can be a role model for that, others may follow suit. There will be an improvement of hockey as a whole.

Shakib is also thinking about the job and financial security of the players. In this context, he said, “The career of all players is not more than 10-15 years. If we can provide job opportunities and financial security to potential players, then the players will be able to focus more on the game.

He wants to contribute not only to hockey but also to other sports. He also said about his desire in a gap, ‘I started that effort from our place. Monarch Group has already started working with golfer Siddiqur Rahman. Now come to hockey. Trying to come with cricket too. May move towards athletics. Every place we want to contribute.’

Shakib feels that more new players will emerge from this franchise hockey league, ‘I think hockey will get at least 3-4 new players if this tournament happens. Many are playing in the national team. As this group becomes much larger, so will the competition. I think only hockey will benefit from this and we will be in a better position in a very short time.”