In the heat of the day, people’s lives are tense. Due to the abnormally low humidity in the air, the heat is burning people more than the actual temperature. Cricketers are walking on the green carpet of Mirpur where the intense heat of the sun is disrupting public life.
They are busy with regular practice ahead of the home series against Afghanistan. Cricketers are maintaining their fitness by running in the scorching heat. Sweating in skill training. Even if you feel the heat, you are not tired. Their preparation is going on with rest.
BCB’s heat management process is the major reason behind the cricketers not panting. Which is made by medical department of BCB. Cricketers are practicing on their advice. Debashish Chowdhury, the head of BCB’s medical department, faced the mass media on Wednesday. He explained the importance of heat management process.
“For cricketers we ask for pre-hydration to prevent dehydration. That is, they have to maintain their hydration status from the day before the game. We take frequent breaks whenever possible to reduce that direct heat hit. At that time ask them to stay under shade or big umbrella. Frequent water breaks keep them hydrated and wipe down exposed areas all over their bodies with cold water. Whenever they come in, we apply ice to specific areas of the body. We try to reduce the body’s core heat by applying ice. Apart from this, ice bath is also available.’
‘However, the extent to which core temperature rises due to such hits persists for several days. Even if the temperature of the skin drops, it may remain inside for many days. That’s why we have to continue the maintenance even after the game is over.’
Bangladesh’s Test against Afghanistan starts from June 14. The five-day Test will be played in hot temperatures at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla. The cricketers are being prepared in such a way that they can take that challenge off the field for a long period of time.
“The advantage of playing the shorter version is that we get rest the next day. We can do heat management. But in the longer version we have to stay in the field for 5 consecutive days. Then management becomes a bit difficult. All our physios, trainers are experienced in this matter. Our cricketers are also learning from their own experiences. We are all working together to overcome heat related injuries.’
“Not only the temperature, another thing at this time is the humidity. This moisture in the air is more harmful to health. During this time, the heat index increases so much in tropical countries that playing outdoors for a long time can cause various physical problems. As the schedule is very busy, we have to go through it. Therefore, the performance will depend on the preparation before the game.
“When the players are in a camp situation, we are in control of their food. When they are at home they have to plan their own meals. Fortunately, the trainers who work with us are experienced in the management of such heat stress or heat related injuries.’
‘Obviously hydration and nutrition play a big role in protecting against heat stress. So basically, we ask to use more of the foods that have more water content. A lot of fruits and vegetables are added outside of the normal diet during this time. Apart from this, we repeatedly say that if you are thirsty, you cannot drink water. Drink water before you feel thirsty. That is, demand feeding cannot be done. It should be clock feeding. That is, you have to drink water every hour. It will not depend on thirst. Whenever we get thirsty, we have to assume we are about two liters dehydrated. Therefore, cricketers also know some of these tips. They are reminded again and again. We also have trainers. All the time they are trying to manage the heat stress with electrolyte drinks, slush or ice.’
Cricketers get lunch break and tea break during the test. Also get drinks break after 15 overs. There is also an opportunity to extend the drinks break through negotiation. Therefore, the coaches and managers of the two teams will talk to the referee before the start of the series. There is also an opportunity to give concessions in special cases to the cricketers. Two teams can take that opportunity.
