To encounter Aminul Islam is to meet a figure remarkable not only for his talent but for his humility. A cricketer who carried the hopes of an entire nation during Bangladesh’s formative years in international cricket, Aminul remains, even today, devoid of the pride that often accompanies such accomplishments. Instead, he exudes an unassuming warmth and kindness, treating fans with the same sincerity as an elder brother would, offering encouragement and a genuine connection to anyone who approaches him.
Aminul Islam’s legacy is woven into the fabric of Bangladesh cricket. Technically gifted and mentally resilient, he was fearless against pace and precise against spin, distinguishing himself as one of the country's finest batsmen during a time when the game was still finding its footing in Bangladesh. Alongside pioneers like Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu, Akram Khan, Minhajul Abedin, and Golam Nawsher Prince, Aminul dreamed of making cricket a defining part of Bangladesh’s identity at a time when soccer dominated the nation’s sporting landscape.
In the face of almost insurmountable odds, these players carried cricket on their shoulders without financial backing or guaranteed careers. For Aminul, cricket was “oxygen”—an unbreakable passion that sustained him even as they played with no promise of fame or reward. Their perseverance paid off when, in November 2000, Bangladesh played its first-ever Test match at Dhaka’s Bangabandhu National Stadium. Aminul rose to the occasion, scoring the first Test hundred for Bangladesh, a glorious 145 that filled the country with pride. Critics who had dismissed him prior to that match were left speechless, as Aminul, true to form, let his bat do the talking.
Yet, this triumph was not enough to shield him from the shifting tides of the cricket board and the harshness of the press. As Bangladesh transitioned from a fledgling Test nation to one looking toward future success, calls to “refresh” the team emerged, advocating for an overhaul in favor of youth. Tragically, this cost Bangladesh one of its most experienced batsmen, as Aminul was unceremoniously pushed aside—a veteran cast away at the very moment his experience was most needed. He was not only left out of the national squad but even banned from participating in domestic competitions, an insult to a player who had given so much to the game.
Disheartened but undeterred, Aminul took his expertise to Australia, where he embraced a new chapter as a cricket coach. His deep knowledge of the game earned him a place in the Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) development program, where he took on the responsibility of nurturing cricket in countries like China, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan. His efforts to popularize cricket in China are particularly notable, where the sport is now blossoming in a culture largely unfamiliar with it. Through dedication and skill, Aminul Islam has sown the seeds of a cricketing revolution in unlikely terrain, bringing new players into the fold of the game he cherishes.
Despite his immense contributions, Aminul’s connection to Bangladesh cricket remains fractured. The cricket board has repeatedly overlooked his experience, failing to recognize the invaluable insights he could bring to developing young talent in Bangladesh. His nurturing presence, like that of an elder brother, could be instrumental in managing egos, guiding new players, and fostering team unity. Bangladesh cricket needs mentors like Aminul, figures who understand not only the technical demands of the game but also the human side of mentorship. His history, marked by resilience, hard work, and passion, stands as a testament to what can be achieved with vision and dedication.
Aminul Islam is more than just an icon; he is a custodian of cricket’s values and an asset whose experience could elevate the sport in Bangladesh. His legacy and skills deserve recognition not only as a chapter in cricket history but as a beacon for its future. To dismiss such knowledge, passion, and loyalty is to overlook a gardener who knows how to cultivate talent, who has dedicated his life to blooming beautiful flowers on foreign soil when he should have been welcomed with open arms at home. Bangladesh cricket has much to gain from inviting him back to the fold, from allowing Aminul Islam to share his wisdom with the next generation of cricketers. His contribution could be transformative—a guiding hand for young guns, a quiet strength for the veterans, and a unifying spirit for the whole team.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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