A Tale of Grit, Heartbreak, and Heroics: Bangladesh’s Near-Miss in Pakistan

The return of Test cricket to Pakistan after a 16-month absence should have been a grand occasion. Instead, empty stands and an overwhelming presence of security personnel highlighted the challenges facing the sport in the country. However, for those few who attended, what unfolded was a captivating contest, one that showcased Bangladesh’s growing stature in international cricket. Despite ultimately losing all three Tests, Bangladesh’s performances hinted at a side on the cusp of something special. In contrast, Pakistan relied on individual brilliance to escape what could have been an embarrassing home series defeat.

First Test: Karachi – Yasir Hameed’s Dream Debut

The opening Test in Karachi set the tone for an enthralling series. Bangladesh, historically weak in the longest format, displayed remarkable resilience. By the end of the third day, they were in a dominant position, leading by 105 runs with seven wickets in hand. Their tenacity unsettled Pakistan, leaving captain Rashid Latif facing the longest and most restless night of his career.

Yet, inexperience proved their undoing. With a lead of 193 and five wickets in hand, an upset remained a possibility. However, Bangladesh’s final five wickets fell for a mere 23 runs, handing Pakistan a target of 217—eminently changeable on a still-decent pitch.

Pakistan’s victory was orchestrated by a young debutant—Yasir Hameed. Displaying exquisite stroke play, the right-hander struck centuries in both innings, scoring 170 in the first and 105 in the second. In doing so, he joined the exclusive club of players with twin centuries on Test debut, alongside West Indian great Lawrence Rowe. His batting not only saved Pakistan from potential humiliation but also announced his arrival on the international stage in spectacular fashion.

Bangladesh, though beaten, had fought admirably. Their effort was a marked improvement over previous encounters, where they had rarely troubled their opposition.

Second Test: Peshawar – Shoaib Akhtar’s Fiery Redemption

If Karachi hinted at Bangladesh’s progress, Peshawar further reinforced it. For the first time in their history, they secured a first-innings lead in Test cricket. Over the first three days, they dominated proceedings, pushing Pakistan onto the back foot.

However, cricket has a way of producing moments of individual brilliance that shift momentum decisively. Enter Shoaib Akhtar. Struggling with the oppressive 40°C heat and 75% humidity, the fast bowler looked pedestrian for the first two days. But after lunch on the second day, he found his rhythm. With a spell of breathtaking pace and reverse swing, he ripped through Bangladesh’s middle and lower order. From a commanding 310 for two, Bangladesh collapsed to 361 all out, with Shoaib returning figures of six for 50.

Still, Bangladesh managed a 66-run lead, thanks largely to left-arm spinner Mohammad Rafiq, who toiled through marathon spells to claim five wickets. But when Bangladesh attempted to set Pakistan a challenging target, Shoaib struck again. His opening spell in the second innings decimated Bangladesh, sending them crashing to 96 all out. His match haul of ten wickets single-handedly swung the game in Pakistan’s favour.

Despite the eventual defeat, Bangladesh had rattled Pakistan. Their progress was undeniable, but the harsh reality of Test cricket—where a single session can undo days of good work—was a painful lesson.

Third Test: Multan – The Heartbreak of a Lifetime

The final Test in Multan was the most dramatic of them all. For three years, Bangladesh had endured heavy defeats in Test cricket. Now, they stood on the brink of history. With Pakistan chasing 261 on a challenging pitch, Bangladesh reduced them to 132 for six. Victory was within touching distance.

But Inzamam-ul-Haq had other plans.

Displaying patience, skill, and unshakable resolve, Inzamam played one of the greatest innings of his career. He farmed the strike, shielded the tail, and absorbed immense pressure for over five hours. Even as wickets tumbled around him, he stood firm. Bangladesh, sensing history, fought desperately. When the eighth wicket fell at 207, the finish line was agonizingly close.

Two moments, however, shattered Bangladesh’s dream. First, a crucial dropped catch at slip allowed Shabbir Ahmed to add 41 runs with Inzamam. Then, a run-out opportunity was wasted due to a technicality—bowler Mohammad Rafiq had disturbed the bails just before the ball struck the stumps. When Yasir Ali, a 17-year-old debutant, survived three deliveries with four runs needed, Inzamam capitalized on the next ball, flicking it for a boundary to complete a one-wicket win.

Bangladesh was devastated. They had been the better team for much of the match, but Pakistan, through sheer will and experience, found a way to escape.

The match also courted controversy. Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-captain Rashid Latif was later banned for five ODIs after claiming a contentious catch that replays showed had touched the ground. The incident marred an otherwise historic contest.

The Legacy of the Series

For Pakistan, the series exposed vulnerabilities but also reinforced their ability to pull off remarkable turnarounds. Yasir Hameed’s dazzling debut, Shoaib Akhtar’s devastating pace, and Inzamam’s steely resolve were the pillars on which they survived.

For Bangladesh, this series was a turning point. Though they left empty-handed, they had earned respect. Their batsmen, led by Habibul Bashar, displayed newfound confidence. Their bowlers, particularly Mohammad Rafiq, troubled Pakistan’s vaunted batting lineup. Above all, they showed they could go toe-to-toe with an established cricketing power.

Though their first Test win remained elusive, the performances in Karachi, Peshawar, and Multan proved it was only a matter of time. The heartbreak of this series would eventually fuel their rise, serving as the foundation for the victories to come.

In cricket, sometimes the greatest triumphs are born from the deepest disappointments. Bangladesh’s tour of Pakistan in 2003 was one such moment—a reminder that perseverance, even in defeat, paves the way for future glory.

Thank You

Faisal Caesa 

Habibul Bashar: The Steady Hand That Shaped Bangladesh Cricket’s Rise

In the annals of Bangladesh cricket, few names resonate as profoundly as Habibul Bashar. More than a player, he was a statesman of the game, a leader who imbued a fledgling cricketing nation with a sense of purpose and legitimacy. At a time when Bangladesh cricket oscillated between flashes of brilliance and persistent struggles, Bashar emerged as the anchor capable of charting a course toward respectability. His captaincy, underpinned by resilience and a quiet yet firm demeanour, transformed the narrative of Bangladesh cricket, leaving an indelible legacy. 

The Captain Bangladesh Needed

When Bashar assumed the captaincy in 2004, Bangladesh cricket was in desperate need of a leader who could galvanize talent into results. Succeeding Khaled Mahmud, Bashar inherited a team brimming with potential but plagued by inconsistency. Yet, under his stewardship, a new generation of players—including Shahriar Nafees, Abdur Razzak, Aftab Ahmed, and a young Shakib Al Hasan—found their footing. His leadership fostered self-belief in a squad that had often been viewed as little more than enthusiastic underdogs. 

The presence of coach Dave Whatmore complemented Bashar’s leadership. Together, they cultivated a culture of discipline and resilience, traits that would come to define the Tigers. For the first time, Bangladesh began to approach matches with the confidence of a team that belonged on the international stage. 

The Batsman: Elegance with a Tinge of Unpredictability

As a batsman, Bashar’s style mirrored his personality—calm, yet assertive when needed. His hallmark pull and hook shots were executed with a flourish that earned admiration, though their impetuousness often betrayed him. Bashar’s ability to counterattack against pace on testing tracks made him a standout, particularly in Bangladesh’s early years in Test cricket. 

His performance in Bangladesh’s inaugural Test against India in Dhaka remains etched in memory. On a damp pitch, with Javagal Srinath and Zaheer Khan exploiting the conditions, Bashar’s gritty 70 became a template for Bangladeshi batsmen facing adversity. Yet, his career was not without its trials. A victim of erratic selection policies, Bashar’s path to success was marked by perseverance. The nickname “Mr Consistent” was not merely a testament to his runs but also to his ability to weather the turbulence of Bangladesh’s cricketing infancy. 

Ironically, while the captaincy elevated Bashar’s stature as a leader, it seemed to diminish his batting prowess. His signature strokes, though still present, rarely yielded the prolific returns of earlier years, adding a bittersweet note to his tenure. 

Milestones in Leadership

Bashar’s captaincy ushered in a period of milestones that elevated Bangladesh cricket from obscurity to recognition. In 2004, he led Bangladesh to their first overseas ODI win, defeating Zimbabwe, and later to a historic ODI victory over India in Dhaka. The following year saw Bangladesh claim their first Test and ODI series wins, again against Zimbabwe—a harbinger of their growing capability. 

The pinnacle of Bashar’s leadership came in 2005 when Bangladesh stunned cricketing powerhouse Australia in Cardiff during the NatWest Tri-Nation series. This victory was more than an upset; it was a declaration that Bangladesh could be a giant killer. Subsequent ODI series wins over Kenya and Zimbabwe in 2006 solidified their progress. 

The 2007 ICC World Cup remains Bashar’s crowning achievement. Under his guidance, Bangladesh delivered one of the tournament’s most memorable moments: a stunning victory over India in Trinidad that propelled them to the Super Eights while eliminating a formidable Indian side. A further triumph against South Africa cemented their status as a rising force in world cricket. 

The Decline and Controversy

The latter years of Bashar’s career, however, were marked by decline and controversy. Following a disappointing Test series against India in 2007, he was relieved of the captaincy, which passed to the mercurial Mohammad Ashraful. Bashar’s waning form, coupled with the emergence of younger players, signalled the end of his international career. 

In 2008, Bashar’s move to the Indian Cricket League (ICL) as captain of the Dhaka Warriors led to a ten-year ban from the Bangladesh Cricket Board. This chapter, though controversial, underscored the complexities faced by players navigating limited opportunities and a cricket board in flux. 

A New Role: Architect of the Future

Time, however, softened the edges of Bashar’s contentious exit. Welcomed back into the fold, he transitioned to a role as a national selector, tasked with shaping the future of Bangladesh cricket. In this capacity, Bashar has brought the same calm pragmatism that defined his playing and captaincy days, identifying and nurturing the next generation of talent. 

 Legacy and Reflection

Habibul Bashar’s legacy is not merely one of statistics or milestones but of transformation. He took a team that was often an afterthought in international cricket and imbued it with belief and direction. His leadership laid the foundation upon which Bangladesh cricket continues to build. 

As a player, captain, and now selector, Bashar’s contributions reflect a career defined by passion, perseverance, and a deep commitment to his country’s cricketing aspirations. His story is a testament to the power of steady leadership in a sport often dictated by fleeting moments of brilliance. 

In the narrative of Bangladesh cricket, Habibul Bashar stands as a beacon of stability—a man who, through his courage and composure, guided his nation from promise to possibility, and from possibility to achievement.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Navigating the tightrope: Akram Khan’s New Selection Committee and The Trials of Bangladeshi Cricket

In the ever-intense world of subcontinental cricket, where every decision invites scrutiny and every squad selection is a potential firestorm, the role of a selector is often more a curse than a calling. This is particularly true in Bangladesh, where cricket stirs the passions of a nation and selections spark endless debate. Amid this charged atmosphere, a new selection committee has been appointed—one helmed by the burly Akram Khan, with Habibul Bashar and Minhajul Abedin alongside him, each bringing a wealth of experience and prestige to a daunting task.  

Akram Khan, who led Bangladesh to their groundbreaking triumph in the 1997 ICC Trophy, embodies the early, hard-fought era of the nation’s cricket. Bashar’s tenure as captain marked the arrival of Bangladesh on the world stage, guiding them to unexpected victories over India and South Africa in the 2007 World Cup. Minhajul Abedin represents the quieter beginnings—an unsung hero from the days when Bangladesh was still finding its feet, including his stellar performance in the 1999 World Cup. Together, they form a selection panel brimming with insight, success, and the lived experience of Bangladesh’s evolution from a cricketing underdog to a recognized force.  

The Challenge of Selection in the Subcontinent  

However, even a high-profile panel such as this must navigate treacherous waters. In the subcontinent, the role of a selector is inherently thankless. A perfect combination exists only in hindsight; no matter the outcome, criticism is inevitable. Yet, the job must be done, and selectors must persevere in balancing team needs with long-term goals. The outgoing selection committee, led by Rafiqul Alam, managed this task admirably despite facing interference from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB)—a recurring issue that looms over the new panel as well.  

In this environment, autonomy becomes the most valuable currency, but it is also the most elusive. The danger lies not only in public discontent but also in political meddling from both the BCB and external forces. Cricket in Bangladesh is not just a sport; it is interwoven with national pride, and that pride often becomes a battleground for political influence. Jamie Siddons, a former head coach, once warned of the destructive role of “petty politics” in Bangladeshi cricket. His words resonate even more strongly today, as selectors and coaches alike must fend off unwarranted interference that threatens to destabilize their efforts.

The issue is systemic. BCB chiefs are frequently appointed based on political affiliation rather than merit, mirroring the broader trend of Bangladesh’s institutions being compromised by partisanship. The fear is that if politics continues to infiltrate cricket, the consequences could be disastrous, jeopardizing the hard-won progress the nation has made on the field. Bangladesh’s cricketing renaissance has been fueled by discipline, unity, and clear leadership, and undermining these pillars would be tantamount to self-sabotage.  

Leveraging Experience: A New Approach to Selection

Despite these challenges, the composition of this selection committee inspires hope. Akram Khan and Minhajul Abedin, having been integral figures in Bangladesh cricket through the 1980s and 1990s, bring an intimate understanding of the domestic structure. Both men have witnessed the sport’s growth from grassroots levels and possess the nuanced eye needed to identify emerging talent. Their experience makes them uniquely qualified to harness the potential that exists in the domestic circuit, ensuring that promising players are not only selected but also developed with care.

While Akram and Abedin represent the growth phase of Bangladesh cricket, Habibul Bashar personifies its golden moments. His tenure as captain marked the beginning of a new era—a period when Bangladesh, under the guidance of coach Dav Whatmore, began to believe in itself as a competitive unit. Their partnership forged a winning mentality, as the team pulled off improbable victories and silenced skeptics. Bashar’s charismatic touch now lends an added dimension to the selection panel, ensuring that their decisions are guided not just by numbers but by an understanding of the game’s psychological demands.  

Autonomy and Collaboration: A New Model for Success

To succeed, this committee must tread a fine line—balancing tradition with innovation, and independence with collaboration. The selectors will need to work closely with both the captain and the head coach, acknowledging that it is these two figures who ultimately manage the dynamics on the field. A successful selection process is not merely about assembling the most talented individuals but about crafting a cohesive unit that aligns with the captain’s strategy and the coach’s vision.  

The advantage this committee has is that all three members are former players, intimately familiar with the pressures of international cricket. They understand that while selectors choose the players, it is the captain and coach who mould them into a team. This insight, if used wisely, can foster a more holistic selection process, where decisions are based not only on talent but also on team chemistry and long-term goals.  

The Road Ahead: Safeguarding Cricket’s Future in Bangladesh  

The biggest threat to this committee’s success, however, remains external interference. Cricket is Bangladesh’s greatest asset—a source of national pride and international recognition. Yet, the same passion that elevates the game also invites manipulation. Politicians from both ruling and opposition parties have a troubling history of inserting themselves into cricket administration, threatening to erode the game’s integrity. If Bangladesh cricket is to sustain its upward trajectory, it must protect itself from these political entanglements.  

Ultimately, the success of this selection committee will depend not only on the quality of its decisions but also on the freedom it is given to operate. Akram Khan, Habibul Bashar, and Minhajul Abedin bring with them decades of experience and a shared love for the game. If they are allowed to work without interference, they have the potential to elevate Bangladesh cricket to new heights. But if their efforts are undermined by politics, the progress achieved over the past two decades risks being undone.  

This selection committee represents more than just three former captains—it represents a moment of possibility for Bangladesh cricket. It embodies the hope that, with the right leadership, cricket can rise above the chaos of politics and become a beacon of national pride. The coming years will test the resolve of both the selectors and the board. But if managed well, this could mark the beginning of a new chapter—one where Bangladesh cricket not only survives but thrives, guided by experience, free from interference, and driven by a shared dream of excellence.  

Thank You

Faisal Caesar