A talisman for Mashrafe, and now the nation

A bracelet that former Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza looked to for luck for most of his international career will now also bring some succour for many in dire straits as the country fights the coronavirus pandemic. Mashrafe had put the talisman up for auction to aid in the battle against the virus, and it was bought on Sunday by the Bangladesh Leasing and Finance Companies Association (BLFCA) for a whopping Tk 42 lakh.

That was not the end of the delight for Mashrafe, as BLFCA chairman Mominul Islam announced that the bracelet would be returned to the fast bowler as a gift.

Mashrafe's bracelet was placed on auction at a base price of Tk 5 lakh on Sunday, but BLFCA bought the iconic cricketer's bracelet – which he has worn for nearly 18 years -- for a whopping Tk 42 lakh.

For many it might be just a steel bracelet but Mashrafe has had it since when he was just another cricketer, and it has worn it through thick and thin, ups and downs, on the path to becoming one of the legends of Bangladesh cricket.

Mashrafe had ordered the item through one of his friends' uncles 18 years ago, and wanted his name written on it.

Mashrafe has rarely removed the bracelet over the years, the exception being his trips to the operation theatre for surgery on his troublesome knee. But even then he was not comfortable for even a minute without the bracelet, which over the years has become a trademark of the most successful ODI captain of the country.

"There have only been a few times when I removed this bracelet. But whenever I removed it, I felt there is something missing from my body and did not feel comfortable at all. I have always felt that this is my lucky charm. It is hard for me to explain what this bracelet means to me," Mashrafe said.

Those who have followed Mashrafe's career closely will also know how important the bracelet is for the Narail Express. Mashrafe adjusting his bracelet before while talking at press conferences or even before starting his run-up has become part of the Mashrafe experience.

It is always difficult for anyone to give away something very close to the heart and it is the same for Mashrafe, who has always been known to respect the role that luck plays and has played in his career.

Mashrafe, who is now also a member of parliament, has been working hard to help the people of his hometown in Narail during this coronavirus pandemic. Mashrafe auctioned the bracelet to raise funds for people affected by the Covid-19 outbreak, and the entire sum of Tk 42 lakh will be donated to his Narail Express Foundation.

Apart from his duty as a member of parliament Mashrafe has been helping the people in need through his foundation personally, and hence the decision to part with one of his more treasured possessions to stand beside the people in this testing time.

"I would like to thank you (chairman of the BLFCA) along with others involved in this auction. The main reason behind putting this bracelet up for auction was to help the people who are suffering from this pandemic. The intention for all of us is the same -- to help people in need and I hope that the Almighty will fulfil our wishes," said Mashrafe.