Fans protest against Mortaza omission

Half-day strike to appose selectors decision for the World cup.

DHAKA: Protesters in the hometown of Bangladesh pace bowler Mashrafe Mortaza enforced a half-day general strike following the former captain’s omission from the country’s final 15-man World Cup squad. They also burnt an effigy of coach Jamie Siddons and vandalised some vehicles in the district town of Narail, southwest of Dhaka.

Hundreds of fans took to the streets, holding Siddons responsible for the exclusion of Mortaza from the squad, although the 27-year-old is suffering from a knee injury picked up in domestic competition. Protesters also chanted slogans against the members of the selection committee, who were sceptical of the player’s chances of being fit in time for the World Cup.

Earlier, Mortaza broke down in tears when addressing reporters about his exclusion. “Of course, this is not an occasion to savour,” said Mortaza. “I must say this is the most painful day in my life.”

“I respect their decision and you can say this is just a bad luck,” added Mortaza, Bangladesh’s most successful pace bowler with 146 wickets.

Bangladesh, who are in Group B, will begin their campaign against co-hosts India in the tournament opener on Febuary 19.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 21^st, 2011.