The Tigers’ Roar: A New Era in Bangladesh Cricket

Bangladesh’s historic whitewash of Pakistan in the limited-overs series will remain etched in the annals of cricketing history. While the Tigers entered the series as favourites, their emphatic dominance over a traditionally strong Pakistan side defied expectations. Playing with a fearless brand of cricket, Bangladesh not only captivated the hearts of local fans but also garnered admiration from a global audience.

Yet, the story of Bangladesh cricket has always been a tale of duality—impressive in the shorter formats but perpetually struggling in the purist’s domain: Test cricket. Despite over 14 years of playing the longer format, the Tigers have often found themselves outclassed, their presence in the elite Test arena questioned by critics. To cement a place among the world’s cricketing greats, a team must master Test cricket, with its gruelling demands of skill, patience, and strategy.

This juxtaposition between limited-overs success and Test struggles came into sharp focus as Bangladesh prepared to face Pakistan in the Test series. A flat deck awaited them in the opening match—a deceptive canvas that held the promise of runs but required precision to exploit.

An Unsteady Beginning

Bangladesh’s cautious batting on the first day showed a maturity born of recent success. However, the fragility of old habits resurfaced on the second day. A promising start unravelled spectacularly as the Tigers lost five wickets for just 27 runs. The dream of a formidable first-innings total crumbled, leaving fans to wonder if another chapter of mediocrity in Test cricket was unfolding.

Adding to the concern was the team composition—an over-reliance on batsmen at the expense of frontline bowlers. Pakistan’s batsmen took full advantage, amassing a substantial lead and setting Bangladesh a daunting task: survive five sessions to save the game.

A Bold Riposte: The Tamim-Kayes Show

What followed was nothing short of a revelation. Conventional wisdom dictated that Bangladesh adopt a defensive approach, aiming merely to survive. But Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes had other plans. They refused to retreat into a shell, instead choosing to counterattack with calculated aggression.

The duo’s partnership of 312 runs—a record-breaking feat—was a masterclass in controlled aggression and resilience. Their authoritative stroke play dismantled the Pakistani bowling unit, turning a bleak situation into one of hope and defiance. The pair’s effort not only saved the match but also symbolized a paradigm shift in Bangladesh’s approach to Test cricket.

A New Identity in the Making

For years, Bangladesh had been synonymous with squandered opportunities and mental frailty in Test cricket. Yet, this performance signalled the emergence of a team that refuses to be intimidated by the stature of its opponents or the magnitude of the challenge.

This Bangladesh team is different. They may falter due to technical shortcomings or lack of depth in certain areas, but they no longer succumb to defeat in the mind. Their fearless mindset, coupled with a newfound resolve, is reshaping their cricketing identity.

The Road Ahead

The change in Bangladesh cricket is palpable—a shift in mentality that prioritizes character, resilience, and the ability to learn from mistakes. However, the challenge lies in sustaining this transformation. The Tigers must continue to build on these foundations, ensuring that their progress is not ephemeral but enduring.

This is a team that dares to dream and dares to fight. The world is watching as Bangladesh steps out of the shadows, ready to stake its claim as a force to be reckoned with in all formats of the game. Let this roar grow louder, for it heralds the rise of a new era in Bangladesh cricket.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Shakib Al Hasan: The Pride and Paradox of Bangladesh Cricket

In the vibrant tapestry of Bangladeshi cricket, one figure stands luminous above all—Shakib Al Hasan. For a nation whose cricketing journey has often been marked by underachievement, Shakib is more than a player; he is a symbol of aspiration, a unifying force, and the heartbeat of sixteen crore people. To play for Bangladesh, a team that has struggled to shed the tag of underdogs, is no mean feat. To excel under the crushing weight of expectation, as Shakib has, is extraordinary. Yet, his career, like his personality, is a study in contrasts: a tale of triumph interwoven with controversy.

A Nation’s Obsession

Whether it’s a rickshaw driver on Dhaka’s bustling streets, a labourer in a distant village, or an elite patron in a posh café, the name on everyone’s lips is Shakib. Discussions about cricket begin not with the scoreline but with his performance. On match days, television shops become impromptu theatres where crowds erupt in jubilation every time Shakib smashes a boundary or claims a wicket. He has transcended cricket, becoming a cultural phenomenon and, for a nation yearning for heroes, an emblem of pride and possibility.

The Champion’s Journey

Shakib’s impact on Bangladesh cricket is unparalleled. With the bat, the ball, and in the field, he has been a colossus. His ability to dominate games singlehandedly has etched his name alongside cricket’s legends. When he dismissed Elton Chigumbura in the Khulna Test of 2014, he joined an elite group of cricketers—Imran Khan and Sir Ian Botham—who had scored a century and taken ten wickets in the same match. Such feats are not mere statistical marvels; they are testaments to an unyielding spirit and an innate understanding of the game’s nuances.

Beyond this singular achievement, Shakib has been the linchpin in Bangladesh’s rare moments of glory. Whether it was his 144 and 6/82 against Pakistan in Mirpur in 2011 or his consistent performances in high-stakes matches, he has repeatedly lifted the team when it needed him most. His contributions make him a rare gem in the annals of cricket, a player who combines audacity with artistry.

A Tarnished Crown

However, the same fire that fuels Shakib’s brilliance has occasionally scorched his reputation. His career has been punctuated by controversies that have tarnished his public image and strained his relationship with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). In 2024 alone, Shakib made headlines for reasons beyond cricket: a lewd gesture on live television, a suspension for leaving the dressing room mid-game to confront a spectator, and other breaches of protocol. 

While critics lambast him for his indiscretions, these moments underscore the duality of his persona—a fiercely passionate individual whose intensity can sometimes spill over into imprudence. But as history has shown, champions often walk the fine line between genius and volatility. For Shakib, this volatility is not a flaw to be eradicated but a force to be harnessed.

A Fighter’s Redemption

When the chips are down, Shakib doesn’t fade; he flourishes. After serving suspensions, he returned with performances that silenced even the harshest detractors. In the Zimbabwe series, he delivered a masterclass, bagging six wickets in the first innings of the Mirpur Test and dominating both with bat and ball in Khulna. His actions seemed to shout what he rarely says:Judge me not by my mistakes but by my comebacks.

The Shakib Paradox

Shakib is a cocktail of contradictions—swagger and humility, rhythm and chaos, ego and selflessness. His ego, often maligned, is the fuel for his resilience and brilliance. Champions like him demand a nuanced approach: they must be managed, not stifled. The BCB, perhaps reluctantly, has come to recognize his indispensability. 

Comparisons with Imran Khan or Ian Botham are inevitable, yet Shakib defies categorization. He is not merely an all-rounder; he is an artist whose canvas is the cricket field. His performances are not just numbers but narratives, each inning, spells a chapter in Bangladesh’s cricketing odyssey.

A Legacy Beyond Numbers

Shakib Al Hasan is not without flaws, but his imperfections make his story compelling. He embodies the dreams and struggles of a nation, the hope that even amidst adversity, greatness can emerge. His critics may continue to scrutinize his missteps, but his legacy will endure—not just in the records he shatters but in the hearts he inspires.

In the end, Shakib is not just a cricketer for Bangladesh; he is Bangladesh. And in his paradoxes, we find a reflection of the nation itself—resilient, impassioned, and forever striving for greatness.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

The Silent Craftsman: Mahmudullah Riyad's Unheralded Brilliance in Bangladesh Cricket

In sports, heroism is often defined by moments that take your breath away—blistering strokes, flying sixes, or toe-crushing yorkers. We celebrate these moments because they captivate us, making us believe in the possibility of magic. But cricket is not merely a canvas for the flamboyant; it is also a field where quiet craftsmen work in the shadows, unsung and underappreciated. Among such quiet contributors stands Mahmudullah Riyad—a cricketer who rarely dazzles but habitually delivers, especially when calamity strikes. His innings with Abul Hasan during the second Test in Khulna exemplify this rare kind of understated brilliance.

The Day Abul Stole the Spotlight 

The drama unfolded in Khulna with Bangladesh teetering at 193 for 8 against the West Indies, seemingly hurtling towards another predictable collapse. A dream debut for Abul Hasan at number 10  saw him launch a whirlwind century that stole the headlines. Yet, in the swirl of euphoria surrounding the debutant, Mahmudullah’s role—essential but hidden—faded into obscurity, as it often does. It was Mahmudullah’s patient hand that enabled Abul’s heroics, quietly nurturing the innings from the other end. While Abul’s audacity captivated onlookers, it was Mahmudullah’s subtle guidance that allowed the tail-ender to flourish. 

A century from No. 10 is a rarity, a spectacle in its own right. But cricket is a duet—sometimes an electric guitarist takes centre stage, and other times it’s the rhythm guitarist whose steady chords prevent chaos. Mahmudullah played the latter role to perfection that day. His ability to anchor and adapt to the needs of the tail reflects the deep cricketing intelligence that defines his career, though it rarely finds mention in celebratory columns.

An Anchor in Storms 

Mahmudullah’s innings in Khulna was no anomaly; he has spent much of his career performing these invisible miracles—rescuing his side from disaster only to be overshadowed by more flamboyant peers. In critical moments, he has made a habit of offering calmness, much like Inzamam-ul-Haq or VVS Laxman—players revered for their ability to make the chaos of cricket appear manageable. Yet Mahmudullah does it without their acclaim. 

Consider Bangladesh's unforgettable 2011 World Cup triumph over England, where Mahmudullah's steady hand, in partnership with tail-ender Shafiul Islam, snatched a victory from the jaws of defeat. It was a turning point in Bangladesh’s cricket history, not just because of the win but because it was a lesson in resilience. Mahmudullah’s contributions tend to mirror that theme: not flashy but indispensable, not celebrated but pivotal. 

A similar scenario played out in Mirpur, during the first Test against the West Indies, when Bangladesh faced the grim prospect of following on. Mahmudullah, alongside Nasir Hossain, orchestrated a vital stand. Once again, Nasir's aggression stole the limelight, leaving Mahmudullah in the shadows. Yet it was the elder statesman’s presence that held the innings together—a scaffolding around which Nasir built his more glamorous edifice.

A Craftsman, Not a Genius 

Cricketers like Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, or Nasir Hossain earn adulation for their bravado, akin to painters flaunting vivid strokes on a canvas. Mahmudullah, on the other hand, is like a diligent artisan—his craft lies in small touches, quiet improvisations, and playing with restraint. **He doesn’t seek to dominate bowlers; he seeks to outlast them**. It is this workmanlike quality that makes his contributions easy to overlook, even though they are often the difference between defeat and salvation. 

When he walks to the crease, Mahmudullah doesn’t envision grand masterpieces. Instead, he finds himself in a crisis zone—where wickets tumble like dominoes and the team looks to him for stability. He thrives in such situations, stitching partnerships with the lower order, **ensuring survival while the more glamorous players flounder**. He doesn’t need thunderous applause; all he asks is for his partners to trust his quiet competence. In Khulna, it was this assurance that allowed Abul to bat with such freedom.

The Complexity of Batting with the Tail 

Batting with the tail is one of cricket's most delicate challenges, requiring both skill and empathy. A tailender, by nature, craves reassurance from the other end—a reminder that the battle is not yet lost, and the impossible might still be achievable. It takes a special kind of cricketer to nurture such partnerships, striking a balance between guiding and shielding the less experienced partner. Mahmudullah’s strength lies in this delicate balancing act, much like Laxman’s famous partnerships with the Indian tail or Inzamam’s rescues for Pakistan. In Khulna, Abul’s innings would have been a fleeting burst of bravery without the calm foundation Mahmudullah provided.

Redefining Heroism 

In an era that idolizes flair and dynamism, Mahmudullah represents a different kind of heroism—one that does not demand attention but earns quiet respect. He is not a cricketer who fits neatly into our romantic ideal of the sporting genius. He doesn’t dazzle like Shakib or thunder-like Tamim, nor does he thrill with adventurous stroke play like Nasir. Instead, he offers something more enduring: the assurance of stability when everything seems to be falling apart. And yet, it is this reliability that often goes unnoticed.

The narrative of cricket tends to favour those who perform in technicolour, but heroes come in many shades. Mahmudullah is not the kind to paint in bold, sweeping strokes; he paints in muted tones, filling the gaps others leave behind. He is a player for the critical moments, the times when flamboyance fails, and grit is the only currency that matters.

A Hero of a Different Kind 

Abul Hasan may have been the star that afternoon in Khulna, but it was Mahmudullah who set the stage for that star to shine. His innings, much like his career, was an exercise in selflessness—an act of service rather than spectacle. Cricket, like life, is not always about grand gestures. Often, it is about the small, essential contributions that ensure everything holds together.

In the grand tapestry of Bangladesh cricket, Mahmudullah Riyad may never be celebrated as the brightest thread**. But without him, the fabric would fray at the edges. He is not the kind of hero we celebrate loudly, but he is the kind we depend on when everything seems to be unravelling. And that, too, is a form of greatness—quiet, unassuming, and enduring.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

From Collapse to Glory: Abul Hasan's Debut Masterpiece at Khulna

Cricket, a game where fortunes can shift with the slightest turn, witnessed another remarkable twist today, as Abul Hasan etched his name into history in the second Test against West Indies at Khulna. When Bangladesh teetered at a precarious 193-8, all seemed lost. The team was staring into the abyss of collapse—until a young debutant, more known for his ability with the new ball than the bat, strode in at number 10. What followed defied the expectations of even the sharpest cricketing minds. 

With an air of nonchalance and an audacity rarely associated with tail-enders, Abul launched a breathtaking counterattack. His off-side drives—so precise and elegant—combined the grace of a classical left-hander with the controlled aggression of modern batting. Interspersed with fearless slogs, his innings was as much an exhibition of flair as it was defiance. In a moment of cricketing serendipity, he reached a century on debut, becoming only the second number 10 in Test history to do so, following in the footsteps of Australia’s Reggie Duff, who achieved the feat at the MCG over a century ago in 1901-02. 

Bangladesh had transformed despair into hope by stumps, closing at 365-8. Abul’s innings was not a solo effort—Mahmudullah Riyad provided crucial support, and together, the pair stitched a monumental 172-run partnership for the ninth wicket, shifting the narrative from a tale of collapse to one of redemption. 

In a country starved of moments to cherish on the cricket field, Abul’s innings was a poetic reminder of the game’s unpredictability. This triumph stirred the hearts of millions across Bangladesh. It was more than just a century; it was a celebration of resilience, proving that cricket’s magic lies not merely in records or expectations, but in the unexpected moments that unite a nation in joy.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar