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DHAKA: Bangladesh cricket team players received a hostile reception at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport following their whitewash against Afghanistan in the three-match ODI series, which concluded on October 14, 2025.
Afghanistan, for the first time, clean-swept an Asian Side during the ODI series played at the United Arab Emirates.
Bangladesh, led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, were completely outplayed in the series, losing by five wickets, 80 runs, and 200 runs in the three matches, respectively.
Following the team’s return, the players were booed at the airport, and their vehicles were also attacked, according to Bangladesh player Naim Shaikh, who took to social media and penned down an emotional note.
“We who take the field, we don’t just play – we carry the name of our country on our chest. The red and green flag isn’t just on our bodies; it’s in our blood. With every ball, every run, every breath, we strive to make that flag proud,” he wrote.
“Yes, sometimes we succeed, sometimes we don’t. Victory comes, defeat comes – that’s the reality of sports. We know that when we lose, it hurts you, angers you – because you love this country just as much as we do.
He further revealed the situation they had faced during their reception at the airport.
“But the way hate was directed at us today, the attacks on our vehicles, that truly hurts. We are humans; we make mistakes, but we never lack love or effort for our country. Every moment, we try for the country, for the people, to bring a smile to your faces.
“We want love, not hate. Let criticism come with reason, not anger. Because we are all children of the same flag. Whether we win or lose – may the red and green always be a source of pride for all of us, not anger.
“We will fight, and we will rise again – for the country, for you, for this flag,” Naim Shaikh concluded.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons has urged players to refrain from using social media to respond to critics.
Simmons, ahead of the West Indies series, shed light on the matter and said that the players in an individual capacity are allowed to express their views; however, they should avoid doing so as a Bangladesh player.
“It is your right as a person to be on social media, to say what you want on social media. But as an international player, as a national player for Bangladesh, my players should not be on there,” Phil Simmons said.
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