Jaker Ali is on the brink of realising his dream of featuring in the World Cup for the first time. He's become one of the most talked-about young cricketers in recent times, having made a big impression in the BPL.
The 26-year-old wicketkeeper well and truly caught the eye with a superb innings of 68 runs from just 34 balls against Sri Lanka back in March. Now, a significant challenge awaits Jaker.
Bangladesh's success on the World Cup stage will hinge in part on Jaker's contributions. The young cricketer has his sights set on delivering an extraordinary performance at the upcoming mega event. Jaker's burning desire is to return home having achieved something Bangladesh hasn't managed before. In a video message posted on the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Facebook page on Tuesday, Jaker spoke about his cricketing upbringing and his World Cup aspirations.
Discussing his dreams and goals for the World Cup, Jaker said: "As a team, I want us to perform well and win every match. I have a strong desire to do something great for my country. This has always been a burning ambition. I want to achieve things that I haven't been able to before."
Jaker also elaborated on his personal preparations: "Since I found out I was in the squad, I've been diligently watching match after match. I'm thinking about how to bat alongside different players and the strategies we'll need against each opponent. That's my approach."
"I've been a keen follower of Bangladeshi cricket since 2007. The World Cup in the West Indies that year really helped me understand the game better. Ever since then, I've desperately wanted to play cricket for Bangladesh. Representing your country is the pinnacle. To do so on a stage like the World Cup is even better," said the wicketkeeper.
Jaker's selection for the national team has also fulfilled his mother's dream. "Everyone around me is incredibly proud. My mother always dreamt of me playing for the country. She'd constantly say, 'When will you play alongside your Tamim, Shakib, and Mashrafe brothers?' This was my mother's dream, and she's now overflowing with pride. As long as my father was around, he'd come and watch me play. When he wasn't there, my sister would take his place."
Jaker wasn't remiss in acknowledging the contributions of his elder brother and BKSP: "Seeing my elder brother play got me interested in cricket."
"When I first started watching cricket, my brother was playing too. That, along with everyone's support, really helped me. I attended trials at BKSP in 2010, and that's when my dreams really started to take shape. They weren't grand ambitions at first, but seeing the senior players here made me realise I should set my sights higher. If I'd stayed back in Habiganj, I don't think I'd have come this far," explained Jaker.
