Donning the colours of green and red, aptly nicknamed "The Green Red Story," is Tanzid Hasan, Bangladesh's opening batsman. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) recently unveiled Tanzid's story in a video posted on their Facebook page.
Currently in the United States with the national team, this left-handed opener didn't feature in the first T20I against the USA played last night. However, Tanzid impressed with two fifties in the preceding five-match T20 series against Zimbabwe that concluded on 12th May. Liton Das and Soumya Sarkar opened the batting in the USA encounter.
Interestingly, Tanzid's nickname, "Tamim," often leads to confusion with Tamim Iqbal, the established opener. In the BCB video, Tanzid revealed the origin of his nickname: "My grandmother and uncle bestowed the name upon me, not with any particular thought behind it."
Hailing from Bogura, Tanzid's father, a government employee, envisioned an academic path for his son. However, cricket was young Tanzid's dream. This passion for the sport even led to his father evicting him from home on several occasions. Recalling those days, Tanzid said, "Most parents yearn for their sons to excel in academics, perhaps become doctors or engineers. My parents held similar aspirations. They brought me from our village to the city for schooling. While attending the district school, I harboured a deep passion for sports. Whenever there was a break from studies, I'd be found playing."
Tanzid reminisced further, "After school, I'd have tutors coming home, even in the evenings. Finding time for cricket was a challenge. My mother struck a deal with me – complete my lessons upon returning from school, and she'd allow me to play. Additionally, she promised to enrol me in an academy and buy me cricket equipment if I performed well in studies. Being a good student, I fulfilled these conditions, and my mother kept her word."
This young opener, with 15 ODIs and 5 T20Is under his belt for Bangladesh, credits his childhood sporting passion for his current success. The 23-year-old made his international debut last August. While one might expect significant life changes within a year, Tanzid revealed otherwise. "My childhood cricket buddies are immensely proud. We still hang out together, whether in the village or the city. Everyone beams with pride about our U-19 World Cup victory." Winning the World Cup remains Tanzid's proudest achievement. He also considers participating in the World Cup a privilege. Having played in the ODI World Cup held in India last year, he shared, "I'm incredibly fortunate to have played in the World Cup. While I may not have performed to my full potential, the experience itself was invaluable. Witnessing the mature approach of established players will undoubtedly benefit me in the future."
Tanzid finds himself included in the Bangladesh squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, commencing on 2nd June (Bangladesh time) across the USA and West Indies. "As I mentioned earlier, playing in the World Cup is a privilege. I'll strive to contribute my best to the team's success."
