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Shafiul Islam

Shafiul Islam (born 6 October 1989 in Bogra) is a Bangladeshi cricketer renowned for his right-arm fast-medium bowling. He has represented Bangladesh in all three international formats and remains active in domestic and franchise cricket, particularly in the Bangladesh Premier League. Islam began his domestic career with Rajshahi Division in the 2006–07 season, making an impactful first-class debut by taking five wickets. His consistent performances in domestic cricket earned him a spot in the national setup, leading to his international breakthrough in early 2010. He made his One Day International (ODI) debut on 4 January 2010 against Sri Lanka in a tri-series, where he opened the bowling and claimed the wicket of Kumar Sangakkara while conceding 39 runs in five overs. Shortly after, on 17 January 2010, he debuted in Test cricket against India, taking the wicket of Gautam Gambhir in a match Bangladesh lost by 113 runs. His Twenty20 International (T20I) debut followed on 3 February 2010 against New Zealand. Throughout the , Islam emerged as one of Bangladesh's most promising fast bowlers, known for his energetic celebrations that endeared him to fans. Key highlights include a four- haul (4/68) against in an in Napier in February 2010, marking an early sign of his potential. He played a pivotal role in Bangladesh's 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup campaign, taking career-best ODI figures of 4/38 against to help secure a crucial group-stage victory. In the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, he participated in Bangladesh's historic 15-run upset win against that propelled them to the quarter-finals. Beyond international cricket, Islam has been a mainstay in Bangladesh's domestic circuit and franchise leagues, including stints with teams like Khulna Titans in the , where he took 18 wickets in 13 matches during the 2016 edition. In 2022, he opted out of to focus on limited-overs formats but continues to feature in T20 competitions, including the BPL in 2025. His international career statistics as of March 2020 comprise 60 ODIs with 70 wickets at an average of 36.12, 11 Tests with 19 wickets, and 20 T20Is with 20 wickets.

Early life

Birth and upbringing

Shafiul Islam was born on 6 October 1989 in Bogura, . He grew up in Bogura, a northern district where is deeply embedded in local culture and youth activities. Standing at 6 feet 0 inches (1.84 m), Islam is a right-handed batsman and a right-arm fast-medium bowler.

Introduction to cricket

Shafiul Islam's early exposure to occurred in his hometown of Bogura, where he honed his skills playing on and in , fostering his as a fast bowler. Growing up in a region with strong cricketing enthusiasm, he participated in informal games that built his foundational technique and passion for the . His breakthrough came through a nationwide pace bowling organized by the around 2006-07, where coaches identified his raw pace and potential during talent scouting across the country. This selection propelled him into structured youth and age-group opportunities, including trials and preparatory tournaments that honed his abilities under professional guidance. By late 2007, his promise earned him a spot in the squad for domestic competitions.

Domestic career

First-class and List A cricket

Shafiul Islam made his first-class debut for in the 2006–07 season against , where he claimed five wickets in the match, nearly helping his team secure a victory. He sustained a long association with , representing them in through multiple seasons until 2022, contributing as a key pace bowler in the domestic circuit. During this period, he featured in key campaigns, including notable contributions in the where his consistent performances bolstered Rajshahi's bowling attack in the longer format. In , Shafiul enjoyed significant success, particularly in the Dhaka Premier Division. A standout performance came in March 2019 for Mohammedan Sporting Club against Gazi Group Cricketers, where he recorded his maiden with figures of 5/32, restricting the opponents to 182 and guiding his team to a three-run victory; this effort earned him the player-of-the-match award. He also emerged as the leading wicket-taker for Cricket Club in the 2017–18 , capturing 24 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 18.50. These List A exploits highlighted his effectiveness in the 50-over domestic format, complementing his first-class endeavors. Over his first-class career spanning 62 matches, Shafiul took 164 wickets at an average of 29.51, with his best figures of 5/35 coming in his debut season. His overall domestic record underscored a reliable in longer formats, often operating as the lead pacer for . In September 2022, Shafiul announced his retirement from alongside fellow pacer , opting to concentrate on limited-overs competitions to extend his career in white-ball . This decision came ahead of the 2022–23 , marking the end of his red-ball domestic involvement after over 15 years.

T20 leagues and recent performances

Shafiul Islam made his mark in T20 domestic cricket primarily through the (BPL), where he has represented seven different franchises across multiple seasons, showcasing his utility as a right-arm fast-medium bowler in the fast-paced format. He entered the league prominently in its inaugural 2012 edition, securing a spot with the Khulna Royal Bengals for an auction price of $65,000. Subsequent seasons saw him feature for the Barisal Burners in 2013, Chittagong Vikings in 2015-16, Khulna Titans from 2016 onwards (where he claimed 18 wickets in 13 matches during the 2016-17 season), in 2018-19, and in 2019-20. By the 2024-25 BPL, he joined Durbar , contributing to their campaign with consistent appearances. In the BPL, Islam has accumulated over 80 wickets in 83 matches at an average economy rate of around 8.0, establishing himself as one of the league's more enduring pacers with notable spells that highlighted his ability to extract bounce and swing under lights. A standout performance came in the 2016-17 season with Khulna Titans, where his 18 wickets ranked him among the top wicket-takers, including economical overs that restricted opposition scoring in key chases. His overall BPL bowling record underscores a strike rate of approximately 20 balls per wicket, with best figures of 4/16, reflecting his role in death-over containment and early breakthroughs. Beyond the BPL, Islam excelled in other domestic T20 competitions, which propelled his team to competitive finishes. Following his retirement from in September 2022, he has maintained active involvement in limited-overs formats, focusing on T20 and List A to extend his career. In 2025, Islam's performances remained relevant in domestic circuits. During the BPL 2024-25 season with Durbar , he picked up 1/16 in a 3-over spell against on January 23, helping restrict their total to 146 in a match Rajshahi won by 24 runs. Later, in the Dhaka Premier Division on March 19, he claimed 2/66 in 9.3 overs for against Gulshan Cricket Club, contributing to a tense defense despite the narrow 2-wicket defeat. These outings, part of his six-match BPL stint yielding an average of 7.83 fantasy points per game, affirm his ongoing value in white-ball at age 36.

International career

Test and ODI cricket

Shafiul Islam made his Test debut on 17 January 2010 against at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in , where he opened the and claimed his maiden by dismissing . Over his Test career spanning 11 matches, he took 17 wickets at an average of 55.41 runs per wicket and an economy rate of 3.26, with his best innings figures of 3/86 achieved against in 2010. However, consistency proved elusive in the longer format, as varying pitch conditions and the physical demands of multi-day games limited his impact in later appearances. His final Test was on 28 2017 against at , where Bangladesh suffered an innings defeat. In One Day Internationals, Shafiul Islam debuted on 4 January 2010 against Sri Lanka at Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur during a tri-nation series, taking 1/39 including the wicket of Kumar Sangakkara. Across 60 ODIs, he secured 70 wickets at an average of 36.13 and an economy of 5.97, with career-best figures of 4/21 recorded against Sri Lanka in March 2012. Key contributions included impactful spells in major tournaments, such as dismissing key batsmen in the 2010 Asia Cup and taking 1/24, including the wicket of Gautam Gambhir, in the 2012 Asia Cup upset victory over India. One of his most memorable moments came during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup group stage match against England on 11 March 2011 at Chittagong, where he formed a crucial 58-run ninth-wicket partnership with Mahmudullah, scoring 24 off 24 balls to chase down 225 and secure a famous two-wicket win. Shafiul's last ODI appearance was on 3 March 2020 against Zimbabwe at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, where he bowled three overs for 19 runs and took one wicket in a thrilling 4-run victory.

T20I cricket

Shafiul Islam made his T20I debut on 3 February 2010 against in , bowling four overs for 33 runs without taking a as were defeated by six wickets. Across his T20I career spanning 2010 to , Islam featured in 20 matches, claiming 20 wickets at an average of 26.60 and an economy rate of 7.98, with his best figures of 3/36 coming in a crucial spell. One standout performance occurred on 18 September 2019 against in the tri-nation series in , where his career-best 3/36 helped restrict the opposition to 136 while chasing 176, securing a 39-run victory that propelled into the final. Islam's appearances became less frequent after 2015, reflecting a decline in selection amid competition from emerging pacers, though he contributed in bilateral series with economical middle-over spells, such as 1/19 in three overs against in March 2020. His last T20I came on 9 March 2020 against in , where he took 1/19 to aid a seven-wicket win, marking the end of his international T20 career at age 30.

Playing style and legacy

Bowling technique and strengths

Shafiul Islam is a right-arm fast-medium bowler who typically operates at speeds between 130 and 140 km/h, with occasional bursts reaching up to 143 km/h. His smooth bowling action allows him to generate consistent pace while maintaining control, making him a reliable option in Bangladesh's pace attack. Early in his , Shafiul relied on his natural ability to extract seam movement, particularly in conditions favoring , which became a hallmark of his approach in limited-overs . One of Shafiul's key strengths lies in his proficiency with , especially in one-day internationals and T20Is, where he can move the ball both ways to trouble batsmen on helpful pitches. In the 2011 World Cup match against , he delivered a career-best 4 for 21, utilizing reverse swing with the older ball to devastating effect on a slow surface, dismissing the tailenders with late movement that left them with little margin for error. He excels in the death overs, employing accurate to restrict scoring and claim wickets under pressure; for instance, an inswinging yorker to Neil Broom in a 2010 ODI against showcased his precision in targeting the stumps. Additionally, his signature slower bouncer has proven deceptive, often catching batsmen off guard by disguising it within his quicker deliveries, as seen in his varied use of faster and slower short balls during the 2011 World Cup campaign against . Despite these assets, Shafiul has faced challenges with inconsistency, particularly in , where variations in length have led to higher economy rates and limited success beyond his promising debut phase. His economy in the longer format often exceeded 4 runs per over due to erratic control on unresponsive subcontinental pitches, hindering his development as a red-ball specialist. Post-2010, Shafiul adapted by emphasizing slower variations, including off-cutters and reduced-pace deliveries, which he honed in training sessions under bowling coach Ian Pont to improve accuracy and deception in white-ball scenarios. This evolution peaked in the early , enhancing his effectiveness in limited-overs cricket while Pont's guidance focused on refining his control and swing mechanics.

Career achievements and impact

Shafiul Islam concluded his international career with 107 wickets across all formats, comprising 17 in 11 Tests at an average of 55.41, 70 in 60 ODIs at an average of 36.13 and an economy rate of 5.97, and 20 in 20 T20Is at an average of 26.60 and an economy of 7.98. His first-class record includes 62 matches and 172 wickets, underscoring his longevity in domestic before retiring from that format in 2022. Among his notable achievements, Shafiul played a pivotal role in Bangladesh's 2011 ODI World Cup campaign, claiming career-best figures of 4/21 against to secure a 27-run victory and contributing an unbeaten 24 off 20 balls in a match-winning ninth-wicket of with against , steering Bangladesh to a historic two-wicket upset. In domestic , he emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the 2017-18 Dhaka Premier Division with 24 wickets for Agrani Bank Cricket Club, highlighting his consistency at the List A level. His contributions extended to the 2014 T20 World Cup, where he took four wickets across four matches, including key breakthroughs in Bangladesh's Super 10 stage wins that propelled the team to the semi-finals. Shafiul's impact on Bangladesh cricket was significant during the nation's ascent as a competitive Test-playing side in the , where his pace bowling provided vital support in seam-friendly conditions and helped establish a more balanced attack alongside spinners. As of , he continues to play in T20 competitions, including the . As a legacy, Shafiul remains a fan favorite for his exuberant celebrations, which energized crowds and symbolized his passion, while his overall career advanced the evolution of pace bowling in by demonstrating reliability in limited-overs formats during a transitional era.

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