Former Bangladesh skipper Mohammad Ashraful waiting for good days by Bipin Dani

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Player:

Mohammad Ashraful

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DateLine: 2nd July 2016

 

Mumbai, July 2 : Mohammad Ashraful is waiting for the new arrival in the family. The top order batsman and the right-handed spinner, who turns 32 on Thursday, will become father of his first child in September.

 

Speaking exclusively over his mobile on Saturday afternoon, he said, "my wife (Anika Taslima Orchi) is in her seventh month of pregnancy and we are expecting the baby girl in another two-months time".

 

"Yes, it's a baby girl and we are eagerly waiting to welcome her in the family".

 

"We didn't go for a specific sex determination test here but the doctor has revealed the sex-identity of the child. My mother went along with my wife for the ultra-sound sonography, where we came to know about the baby-girl. Here in Bangladesh, many doctors reveal the identity of the child after the pregnancy enters into the seventh month", he added.

 

(Unlike in India and many other countries, sex determination tests in Bangladesh are not illegal. This was confirmed by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB ) doctor Debashish Chaudhary. Yes, it is not illegal here but the Government is planning to bring prohibition for such tests here", Dr. Chaudhary, speaking exclusively from Dhaka, said).

 

"The new name for the girl is not decided yet but will ask my friends and relatives to suggest few".

 

Ashraful is also counting days for his suspension to be over.

 

"Now only one month and 10 days are left. I shall be completing my ban on 13th August".

 

He was originally banned for his involvement in match-fixing for eight years (5 years + 3 years suspension), which was reduced to 5 years (3 + 2).

 

"I will be able to play domestic cricket from next month and can return to international cricket after 2 years, but the BCB can still make me play (with my performance) at the international level during this suspension period", he further added.

 

"During my suspension period, I went t Saudi Arabia and performed Haj. Seven months ago, I married to a girl, who had promised me to support. My family members were very supportive. I used to practice with my coach (Wahidul Gani) and I also played few unofficial matches in USA during my three-month stay there".

 

"Mohammad Amir has made a very good comeback after his ban period and if Pak. skipper Misbah-ul-Haq can still play at 42, why can't I play for the country for another 10 years. I am optimistic", he signed off.

 

(Article: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author only.
Copyright © 2016 Bipin Dani)