They called it a "debrief session."No one expected a ceremony.
The players from Evaluation Group Z were told to report to the East Wing assembly hall at 8:30 AM. No specific dress code, no media alert, no press. Just a clipboard announcement: "Final reflection. Mandatory presence."
Raj arrived early. Sat in the corner seat. Quiet as ever.The others walked in louder.
Player 06 had a fresh band around his wrist with a stitched flame symbol.
Player 09 joked about snacks.Someone asked if this was just feedback and logistics.
No one suspected what was really coming.
Until the lights dimmed and a narrow spotlight hit the center stage.
A single table stood there.
On it there are twelve emblem boxes.
Velvet.
Black.
With the National Cricket Board seal etched in silver.
A man in a plain coat walked out and cleared his throat.
"Evaluation Group Z... congratulations. You didn't just complete a trial. You survived the trial."
Murmurs rippled.
