Fiery determination: Bangladesh's Naim braves fire-walk for Asia Cup preparation

In an unorthodox approach to boosting mental resilience, Bangladeshi cricketer Mohammad Naim has quite literally walked through fire.

As teams prep for the much-anticipated 2023 edition of the Asia Cup, Naim has taken a leap beyond the traditional nets and gym sessions. A video currently making waves on social media platform X showcases the 23-year-old batsman confidently striding across a bed of glowing embers. The fire-walk, undertaken under the guidance of a professional mind trainer, is believed to be part of Naim's regimen to fortify his mental tenacity before the premier cricket tournament kicks off.

Saif Ahmed, who manages the social media accounts for cricket teams @BanglaTigers_ae and @RangpurRiders, shared the intriguing footage via his official handle. This unconventional training method has sparked a flurry of reactions online, with fans and peers alike discussing the commitment and daring of the young cricketer.

Naim Sheikh working with a mind trainer ahead of Asia Cup. pic.twitter.com/mkykegJ06p

— Saif Ahmed (@saifahmed75) August 18, 2023

While fire-walking is a millennia-old practice, employed across various cultures for spiritual and personal empowerment, its application in modern sports training is rare, to say the least. The intention behind such a ritual is to conquer one's fears and break mental barriers, a quality essential for athletes preparing for high-pressure games.

Former Bangladesh captain Ashraful also commented on the unusual training, expressing his surprise at seeing contemporary players embrace such unconventional methods. It remains unclear whether other members of the Bangladeshi squad will follow suit or if this fiery ordeal is exclusive to Naim's personal training routine.

The Asia Cup is a platform where players are tested not just on their skills, but also on their mental strength, especially when matches go down to the wire. If the aim of the fire-walk was to make a statement about Naim's readiness and grit for the upcoming challenges, it has undoubtedly captured the cricketing world's attention.