Gordon goes unsung (5 May 1999)

5 May 1999

Gordon goes unsung

Zahid Newaz in Dhaka

None was left out, bar one. The ecstasy, euphoria and pride were shared by all -- he went unsung.

The victors of the Bangladesh World Cup squad, who earned the laurels for beating mighty Pakistan, was given a hero's reception Friday in Dhaka. They also included Australian physio Allan Hunt. But none remembered the boss.

Except Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a patron of cricket and fan of sports, nobody did make a mention of Gordon Greenidge and his contribution for country's cricket on the most cricketing joyous day of the nation.

Even none of the good-boys of the great West Indian, whom he built for more than two years, first for 1997 ICC Trophy and later for Bangladesh's maiden World Cup campaign, bothers to name him for a single time.

Skipper Aminul Islam Bulbul categorically mentioned names of all to express their gratitude. But, like minister Qader or Saber, he also forgot to remember Gordon, who once was given country's honorary citizenship for the ICC triumph.

Many of the revellers who, carrying red-green flags, thronged National Square and made fun fares beating drums and spraying colours got astonished when Bulbul concluded his scripted speech without citing their trainer.

"I know the background. So, I didn't expect Gordon here. But what I expected -- at least Bulbul will recall the man who with his artistic touch prepared them," said Sumit, 24, a cricket fan who came from city outskirts, Mirpur.

Still, he said, "I could remember the shiny morning of Pahela Baishakh (Bengaly new year) on April 14, 1997 when the cricketers were given such a hearty reception after they clinched the ICC Trophy. Gordon was the hero..."

"All forgot him. It seems there was none named Gordon in country's cricket. As if the non-technical people and the ministers could make the cricketers defeat Pakistan and Scotland," said Royal, 19, venting his anguish.

The young man expressed his gratitude, saying "Thanks to the Prime Minister. She was the only person to remember the hero. The ministers might forget him. But why Bulbul, too?" questioned the cricket enthusiast.

As the chairs on the podium were inscribed with the names of all members of the World Cup squad, one remained blank. "I feel bad seeing the chair vacant," said Anisur Rahman, 37.

Elderly Abidur Rahman suspected that Bulbul was handed the written statement so that he couldn't name Gordon. "Bulbul's talks with the press after Gordon's departure may generate fear among the officials," he said.

"We knew the conflict between Gordon and the BCB. We have every support to Gordon. But he should not have made the controversial statements in London that might have broken our team spirit," he said with a note of criticism.

The cricket-legend's name was mentioned only twice from the bedecked podium of the reception at the lush green of National Square. Apart from Hasina, the announcer once mentioned the name.

The naming, too, was not articulate. Presenter Shakil Kassem, a former national cricketer and sports writer for the Daily Star, said there is also cash prize for Gordon Greenidge. But he is not here.

At this moment, again Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, flanked by the cricketers, ministers, officials and politicians on the podium, asked him to mention the amount of prize money for the fallen coach.

Sources said Hasina expressed her dissatisfaction after the team management axed Gordon following some of his controversial statements over country's Test status and performance. She had also desired Gordon to be brought to the function.

"We tried to locate him in London. But he was not found," said Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Vice-President Tanveer Muzhar Islam Tanna, who was manager of the Bangladesh team in the World Cup.

Like Tanna, other BCB officials tried to suggest that Gordon had been missing since he was delivered the marching orders. But Internet reports show he had talks with several London newspapers after the exit.

Many cricket fans said Gordon was highly criticised for his statement embarrassing for the country. "But what BCB did when Tanna had told foreign press Bangladesh has no chance of winning a single match," questioned one.

Gordon reportedly left the squad during crucial Bangladesh-Pakistan encounter on May 31 and later also the hotel the same day after he was given a sacking letter ahead of the match.

Talking to press in London, BCB President and Deputy Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury denied that Gordon was axed. He said Gordon had been withdrawn from the squad, but still Director (Coaching) of the BCB.

Source :: CricInfo365