While much of the fans of the game are, on the one hand, busy with the Indian Premier League (which extends until end of May next month), there are also fans in another part of the globe who are thickly involved with what is believed to be an engaging ICC bi lateral series. This one concerns New Zealand’s current tour to Bangladesh. And if facts serve us right, then it can be said that the white ball contests have already begun with a buzz with the first and foremost one dayer of the series having already courted some bit of controversy surrounding Blair Tickner whose brilliant 4 for 40 spell earned his visiting side a maiden win on this tour.

But what was controversial in this contest?

New Zealand fast bowler Blair Tickner grabbed attention with his celebration after taking a wicket in the first ODI against Bangladesh at the Shere Bangla Stadium in Mirpur on April 17. Tickner dismissed Rishad Hossain in the 46th over with a caught-and-bowled. Right after the wicket, he did a ‘snake’ or ‘Nagin dance’ celebration. Many fans felt this was a dig at the Bangladesh team, and the clip quickly went viral on social media.    

This celebration is not new

Yes, that’s true if you were to rewind your mind to the past. There’s a context to it all, it seems.

It became popular during the 2018 Nidahas Trophy, which featured India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. In one of the matches, Bangladesh chased down a target against Sri Lanka in a very tense game. Sri Lanka had put up a good total thanks to Kusal Perera and Thisara Perera. During the chase, Mushfiqur Rahim and Tamim Iqbal played important roles to keep Bangladesh in the game. The match became very heated in the final over, with arguments between players. In the end, Mahmudullah scored the winning runs in the last few balls. After the win, Bangladesh players celebrated with the ‘Nagin dance’ on the field, aiming it at the opposition. Over the years, the ‘Nagin dance’ has become closely linked with Bangladesh cricket and is often remembered as a symbol of their aggressive and emotional style of play in big matches. Now, years later, Tickner used the same celebration after getting a wicket against Bangladesh.

Dramatic Some people see it as fun and part of the game, while others think it was meant to provoke.

Either way, it has added more excitement to the series. Now the second game of the one day series takes place on Monday. Can the Kiwis bounce back then?