DHAKA, (Reuters) – Protesters in the hometown of Bangladesh pace bowler Mashrafe Mortaza enforced a half-day general strike today 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, 300 kms (188 miles) southwest of Dhaka,
Hundreds of fans took to the streets, holding Siddons responsible for the exclusion of Mortaza from the squad announced yesterday, although the 27-year-old is suffering from a knee injury picked up in domestic competition.
The fans called for a dawn to dusk strike in Narail, but delayed the start time to 12 noon (0600 GMT) from 6 a.m. following a request from local administrators.
Protesters also chanted slogan against the members of selection committee, who were sceptical of the player’s chances to being fit in time for the Feb. 19-April 2 event co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Yesterday, Mortaza broke down in tears when addressing reporters about his exclusion.
“Of course, this is not an occasion to savour. I must say this is the most painful day in my life,” Mortaza said.
“I was 100 percent confident of regaining my fitness. However, this is life and I am quite accustomed to it.
“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 in 118 one-day internationals.
Bangladesh, who are in Group B with England, India, Ireland, Netherlands, South Africa and West Indies, will begin their campaign against co-hosts India in the tournament opener in Dhaka on Feb. 19.
