Father Syed Halim Shah was a popular name in domestic cricket. Despite playing at the top level in domestic cricket, he did not wear the red-green team jersey. Played up to the highest ‘A’ team. So he settled in Canada in 2005 with a kind of dissatisfaction. But at that time 7-year-old son Syed Shah Kazem started to dream anew between Kirmani. He wanted his son to surpass him and become a great cricketer. Earned reputation by playing for the country. Kazem’s father’s dream came true this time – but not in cricket, but in the national football team by getting a chance in the primary team for the first time!
Coach Javier Cabrera has included Kazem in Bangladesh’s preliminary squad for the two matches against Palestine in World Cup qualifiers. Halim Shah is very happy to see his son getting a place in the red-green team. Although not cricket like his father, Kazem is moving forward by clinging to football.
Maybe Kazem had a chance to become a cricketer. He was more fond of cricket while living in Dhaka. But Halim Shah settled in Canada after finishing his career and did not see any touch of cricket there! Rather, football was the first sight in Toronto. Kazem also gradually became a full-fledged player by giving himself up to the skin! After playing in school, college and university, he once wanted to start his career with Saif Sporting when he returned to Dhaka in 2021 with big dreams.
But then the game was not played due to other complications including passport. However, he had no trouble starting the game for Police FC in the following season. This time, playing in the middle of the second season in Police FC, he caught everyone’s attention. His midfield control skills set him apart from others. This time he got a chance in the starting eleven in seven of the eight matches played in the league. Also scored against Sheikh Jamal in the Federation Cup. The 25-year-old midfielder also has an assist. In the meantime, he also graduated from the University of Alberta.
Father Halim Shah is very happy to see such an achievement of his son. Former cricketer told Bangla Tribune from Alberta, ‘I could not play in the national team. But I wanted my son to fulfill that dream someday. But he was given freedom. He grew up on his own. We have only given directions. The practice of cricket was not seen when he came to Canada. So the boy’s inclination towards football was more. We also encouraged him. Now he has been called to the national team. In fact, today is a very happy day for me and my family.’
Kazem knows what he has to do. A sporty outlook runs in the family early on as the father is a cricketer. Although his father’s dream of wearing the red-green jersey did not come true, Kazem himself is trying to make up for it, ‘getting a place in the national team is a big thing. Only those who play the best get a place here. This is my main goal, to play in the national team. I came to Bangladesh to play in the national team. Dad couldn’t play in the national cricket team, but I want to play. But much remains to be proven. I have to score more goals in practice, I have to show my ability, so that I can catch everyone’s attention.’
Kazem wants to know himself like his father. In addition to domestic football, the national team should be established. Kazem also knows there is no substitute for hard work. That discipline should also be followed.
Kazem said, ‘In fact, there is no end to doing good. Trying to do better. Many people know him because his father was a cricketer, it gives me a good feeling. I am working towards the goal that everyone knows me. I have to work hard to wear the red-green jersey. You have to rebuild yourself. I’m trying that.’
Kazem is on the verge of fulfilling his father’s dream. Happy Eid in Halim Shah’s family if the dream comes true!
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