Who would have thought that the Tigers would take the field today, carrying the heartache of a nation.
This occasion will be more than just a simple match. The home board has taken measures, such as flying the flag at half mast and barring music, to ensure that due respect is paid to the victims of the tragic jet crash at the Milestone School and College just the day before.
On a day of national mourning, the match will begin less than 30 hours after the tragic crash of a Bangladesh Air Force aircraft at the Milestone School and College in the capital's Uttara left 31 dead and scores more injured.
Even today's Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations have been postponed in light of the tragic crash.
But the cricketers, in a matter of a few whirlwind hours that have passed since they were expressing their condolences through social media, will be back on the field to play the second T20I against Pakistan, replete with tributes that should make for an emotional affair.
Liton Das made that clear at the toss, saying: "We all know that what happened yesterday was not easy to accept. We're playing today with heavy hearts. I mean, you know that I'm a parent; I know the feelings. And definitely they [the national players] feel very sad, and they are too much emotional at the moment. So all we know is we can pray at the moment."
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha also reflected on the moment, showing how the tragedy had affected anyone who had heard. "Tragic events yesterday [Monday]. It's a very, very sad incident. And my heart and my prayers go out to them, and we, as a nation and as PCB, stand with that."
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has responded with solemn respect since the beginning. They changed their social media theme to black and issued heartfelt messages in honour of the victims.
The Pakistan cricket team has also paid tributes on social media, but much more will follow.
In observance of National Mourning Day, the BCB has announced the following tributes to be observed during tonight's second T20I between Bangladesh and Pakistan:
• The national flag will be flown at half-mast at SBNCS and all BCB venues
• Special prayers will be held for the victims of the tragedy
• A minute of silence will be observed before the start of the match
• Players and officials will wear black armbands
• No music will be played during the match
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