Naeem Islam

Naeem Islam was building a reputation of being Bangladesh's crisis man in the late 2000s, but his career was cut short inexplicably after six years at the highest level. He made a quiet exit, with the media and fans hardly noticing how such a diligent cricketer was surplus to requirements by the Bangladesh team. Naeem however is a domestic stalwart, with six first-class trophies with three different teams, and the first to score more than 30 first-class centuries in Bangladesh.

Naeem continues to flourish in the longer format even late into his 30s, averaging 69.70 in both first-class tournaments in the 2023-24 season, further mystifying his decade-long absence from the international circuit. Naeem's last assignment for Bangladesh was the 2014 Asia Cup when he got out in the thirties twice. In his previous ODI series, he made two match-winning fifties against New Zealand, helping Bangladesh to a 3-0 series win. He had replaced Shakib Al Hasan on both occasions, first when Shakib had dengue, and then he was suspended. Naeem became one of the several casualties of the BCB's whims following Bangladesh's disastrous 2013-14 season.

Naeem's international career began in 2008 amid a crisis as Bangladesh had lost several players at the time to play the unsanctioned Indian Cricket League. Naeem was one of three uncapped players in the squad. It was a bit-part role as a lower-order batter and part-time offspinner. His first big contribution came in an unbeaten 73 against Zimbabwe in 2009, that led Bangladesh to a one-wicket win. His four sixes prompted the Prothom Alo to nickname him as Chhokka (Sixer) Naeem.

Naeem lost his place in December 2011 after a string of low scores against Pakistan and West Indies. He returned with a maiden Test century the following year, spending nearly six hours at the crease. Yet, his Test career was done within 15 months later.

Hence, Naeem had to shift focus to domestic cricket.. He averaged 71.81 in the 2014-15 season, before hitting four centuries in the 2016-17 season. His biggest season was 2018-19 when he made 966 runs. He has won the NCL with Rajshahi Division on three occasions (2005-06, 2009-10 and 2010-11) and twice for Rangpur Division (2014-15 and 2022-23). He also won one Bangladesh Cricket League title for North Zone in 2016-17.