Bangladesh team had a good tour in West Indies. They ended the year by thrashing the Caribbean in the T20 series. They have no more matches in 2024. However, Shariful Islam is not feeling well after completing such a great tour. Of course, cricket is not the reason for not feeling well, but the social environment is increasing the anxiety.
Shariful was born in Maumari village of Dandpal union in Debiganj upazila of Panchagarh. But this left-arm pacer's perception is that his village is not good. Drug addiction is consuming the people of the area. A heartbroken Shariful wrote on social media Facebook, 'I feel a strange pull towards my village, where I spent my childhood and youth. When you return here, let the memories come alive again, and the mind is filled with emotions. But lately this emotion has been replaced by apprehension and anxiety.'
Drugs have reached remote areas like Maumari and become menacing—somewhat surprised Shariful adds, 'Even in such remote and quiet villages, the dark shadow of drug addiction has begun to fall. Will these roots be able to maintain a safe, serene environment for future generations? Or day by day will be lost in the darkness of fear and uncertainty? These questions move me deeply.'
There are no more national team games this year. Shariful is currently busy with T20 National Cricket (NCL). Then the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) starts on December 30. 23-year-old Shariful will play 2025 BPL for Chittagong Kings.
