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The Unwanted Googly For Litton Das That Set His House On Fire In False Flames

Soumyajit Dutta

Litton Das' house was falsely rumoured to have been set on fire [Source: @mumtaza_mubair/X.com]Litton Das' house was falsely rumoured to have been set on fire [Source: @mumtaza_mubair/X.com]

In the cricketing world, Litton Das is known for his elegant strokeplay and calm demeanour behind the stumps. He has faced the fiercest pacers and the craftiest spinners on the planet, representing Bangladesh with distinction for years. But in August 2024, the googly thrown at him wasn’t on the pitch. It came from the chaotic world of social media, which ought to have unsettled him.

Amid the violent political upheaval that led to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation, a dangerous and false rumour began to spread like wildfire online. Protesters had set fire to the home of cricketer Litton Das.

The Rumour Of Litton Das' House On Fire!

For a moment, the focus shifted from Bangladesh's national crisis to the personal safety of one of the country's sporting heroes. The news was particularly alarming given Das's identity as a prominent Bengali Hindu in a time of heightened tension concerning minority safety.

Fans and fellow players alike scrambled for information, their concern a testament to the respect and affection he commands. The image of Das, a player who has so often shouldered the hopes of the nation with his bat, now potentially facing tragedy at home, was a horrifying thought.

Not Litton, Mortaza Was The Victim

Yet, as quickly as the rumour spread, the truth emerged from the smoke of misinformation. The arson attack was real, but the target was misplaced. The house belonged not to Litton Das, but to another cricketing legend, Mashrafe Mortaza, whose political role had made him a target. For the unaware, Mortaza was a major contributor for the Bengal Tigers too, as he played over 300 ODIs for the country since his debut in 2001.

This incident, though ultimately false, threw a harsh light on the precarious position of athletes in a fractured society. Litton Das, the player, is celebrated for his records and his centuries.

But in that moment, Litton Das, the man, was a symbol of how quickly innocence can be engulfed by the flames of rumour. It was an unwanted delivery outside the off-stump, one he wisely left alone, allowing the truth to do the talking.