Shakib Al Hasan, the veteran Bangladesh cricketer, earlier decided to put his 2019 World Cup bat for auction for the ones affected in the coronavirus pandemic. The money raised from there was to go to his foundation. The left-hander amassed 606 runs in the mega event with centuries against England and the West Indies. The bat has eventually been auctioned for taka 20 lakhs.

It was Syed Rajib Imteaz, a Bangladesh-born citizen of the United States (US), who had the privilege of getting the prized memorabilia. The 39-year-old is the head of Technology Origination at Matthews South, a technology-driven capital market advisory firm. It was late at night when he got to know about the grand auction and the very next day, he woke up to participate.

Shakib Al Hasan has instilled self-belief in our hearts

Rajib was previously the MD of Investment Banking at Barclays for 15 years and had prior experience in auctions. For him, even more than the bat, he wanted to help out in the cause of the coronavirus pandemic. Rajib believes that the 33-year-old Shakib gave them the belief that Bangladesh could go on an even win the World Cup in the future.

“It’s something I was interested in. It’s for a good cause. A piece of history. I wanted to win it for a number of reasons. It is an opportunity to help people at a time of crisis. As you can see, more of these auctions will happen and more money will go to charity,” Rajib was quoted as saying in Dhaka Tribune.

“One day when Bangladesh win the World Cup, which I strongly believe in, people will look back to the self-belief that Shakib instilled in our hearts. Inspiration and hope are a million times more powerful than money. I admire Shakib for the inspiration and hope he gives us. And at a time like this, we need hope,” he stated.

Despite, US being his home, Rajib stated that Bangladesh is where his heart lies. Rajib was also a passionate football and cricket player, but couldn’t continue due to his studies. Moreover, he has travelled in excess of 70 countries over seven continents. New York, where he is residing, is one of the worst-hit states owing to the Covid-19 outbreak.