Why Didn't Alok Kapali Say Goodbye on the Field?

Alok Kapali's retirement was influenced by the young players of Sylhet, but he could have bid farewell with a match if he wanted to. Although this opportunity was in front of him, the legendary Sylheti cricketer chose not to take that path. So why didn't Alok, this Sylheti icon, retire from the field as many expected?

Alok did want to retire from the field, but he never got the chance to do so with a bat or ball in hand. This opportunity had been given to players like Abdur Razzak, Tushar Imran, and Imrul Kayes from the Khulna division. In 2024, it was also given to Farhad Hossain from the Rajshahi division.

Alok Kapali's cricketing achievements include being the first to take a hat-trick in Test cricket for Bangladesh, the record-holder for the fastest century in ODI cricket, scoring over 6,000 first-class runs for Sylhet, and sharing the record for three double centuries in first-class cricket. These accolades made him a legend, and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) as well as the Sylhet Division owed him a fitting farewell.

However, when the time came for Alok to retire, neither the cricket board nor Sylhet Division gave him the respect and recognition he deserved. Alok shared his thoughts on the matter: "I was part of the division's contract the previous year, but the following year I wasn't included. I met Raj (Abdur Razzak) during the Legends League and he asked me why I retired. I told him, 'If I'm not in the top seven or eight players of the division, then there's no point in playing.' I expected the same respect and farewell as Razzak and Tushar received in Khulna, but I got nothing."

In 2021, Alok couldn't play many matches for Sylhet due to injury. He had already informed the division and the board of his intention to retire and had hoped to finish his career with one final game. Despite reassurances from the board and the division, he was left disappointed when his name was not included in the contract. Alok continued: "I asked the board to allow me to play one last match before retiring, and they assured me that I would get the same respect as Tushar and Raj. But when I saw that I wasn't included in the contract, I realized they had no plans for me. It wasn’t about the money; it was about respect. I didn't get the respect I deserved after 20 years of playing for Sylhet."

Alok’s decision not to play in 2022 was a selfless one. He didn't want to block the opportunities for younger players like Ferdous and Rihad, who were getting their debuts. He wanted them to have the chance to play and make their mark, even if it meant he had to step away from the field.

In contrast, players like Farhad Hossain from Rajshahi and Imrul Kayes from Khulna received a grand farewell with fitting recognition from both the division and the BCB. While Alok didn't get that farewell, he hopes that no player in the future will experience such a departure without the respect they deserve. He believes that players should be given at least a small token of appreciation, such as a bouquet of flowers, when they retire. "It’s a small thing, but it shows respect. It doesn’t take long and makes a big difference. It would have made me happy if I had received such recognition after my retirement."

After his retirement, Alok didn’t receive any such farewell from Sylhet Division, though the Sylhet Cricket Association did show some respect. Reflecting on his time playing for Sylhet, he said, "After playing for 20 years, I didn't get the farewell I expected. I made many sacrifices for Sylhet, even when my daughter was born, I was in Bogura, just to play for Sylhet. But when I retired, I didn’t even get a bouquet of flowers. I don’t blame anyone, but I hope future players get the recognition they deserve."

Alok's cricketing history includes being the first Bangladeshi player to take a Test hat-trick in 2003, where he achieved the feat in a match against Pakistan. His first-class career also saw him score three double centuries, a feat unmatched by many.

In 2011, Alok was dropped from the national team, and despite continued strong performances in domestic cricket, he never received a national call-up again. He never sought selection, instead focusing on doing well in domestic cricket. "After scoring two double centuries, I felt like I deserved a chance, but the selectors didn't consider me. The NCL was called a 'picnic league,' but I also scored double centuries in the BCL, which was considered a stronger league," Alok said.

Even though he retired from first-class cricket, Alok still plays List-A and T20 cricket, and he has been offered a spot in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). He is also in talks to join Prime Bank Cricket Club in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League, possibly as a player-coach. Alok shared: "Discussions with Prime Bank are ongoing. They are considering me as a player-coach, but nothing has been finalized yet."

Despite his rich cricketing legacy, Alok has no interest in entering politics, even though his family has a political background. "I was asked to stand for city councilor during the last election, but I declined. Politics doesn’t interest me, but I’d be open to contributing to cricket in any way I can. If there’s an opportunity to work for the cricket board, I would consider it."

Alok Kapali's legacy remains firmly etched in the history of Sylheti and Bangladeshi cricket. Even though his final days in first-class cricket didn't come with the fanfare he deserved, his contributions to the game continue to resonate, and his hopes for future players to receive better farewells are a testament to his commitment to the sport.