We played for Shohidul today: Mashrafe

Gemcon Khulna paceman Mashrafe Bin Mortaza said in the post-match ceremony following their Bangabandhu T20 Cup triumph that he and his side played for young pacer Shohidul Islam, who lost his father five days ago.

Shohidul's father passed away on December 13 before Khulna's crucial first qualifier against Gazi Group Chattogram. The pacer left the team's bio-bubble after receiving the bad news and had to quarantine, as well as test negative for Covid-19, before taking the field today.

"We played for Shohidul today. His father died five days ago and our skipper [Mahmudullah Riyad] mentioned that we have to play for him. He left for home after losing his father and then quarantined for three days. After returning a negative [Covid-19] test he came back and played straight away. So, we knew that we just need to play for him and thanks to Almighty, we managed to win for him," Mashrafe said at the post-match ceremony.

Shohidul, who overcame his grief, successfully defended 15 runs in the final over as Gemcon Khulna clinched the Bangabandhu T20 Cup.

Captain Mahmudullah Riyad showered praise on Mashrafe, Bangladesh's most successful captain, who only returned to cricketing action after he regained fitness this month and was acquired by Khulna through a lottery.

"Thanks to my boys, especially to Mash, who has been very supportive. The experience of his career helped a lot to take decisions and I am very pleased to have him in the side," Mahmudullah said.