Mohammad Akram Hussain Khan, commonly known as Akram Khan, is a cricket player from Bangladesh and is regarded as the first real hero of Bangladesh cricket. Despite his sturdy physique, Akram gained popularity for his exceptional batting skills and played a crucial role in the development of cricket in his country during the 1990s.
Born and raised in Chittagong, Akram hails from a family where sports were highly prioritized. It was only natural for him to follow in the footsteps of his family and embark on a career in cricket. He began his cricket journey by representing Bangladesh Railways in the Dhaka leagues. With his remarkable talent and dedication, he swiftly climbed the ranks and eventually joined Abahani, one of the prominent sporting clubs in Bangladesh.
In 1988, Akram earned his place in the Bangladesh team for the regional tournaments and made his One Day International (ODI) debut in the same year. As Bangladesh aspired to secure a spot in the World Cup, Akram played an important role in various representative teams. However, it was in 1997, during the ICC Trophy, that Akram truly established himself as a prominent figure in Bangladesh cricket. In a crucial match against the Netherlands, Akram displayed tremendous courage and resilience by scoring an unbeaten 68 runs, which ultimately led his team to victory and secured their spot in the semi-finals. Bangladesh continued their successful run and earned their long-awaited ticket to the 1999 World Cup.
Akram also had the honor of playing in Bangladesh’s inaugural Test match and continued to contribute to the national team for four more years. However, with age catching up to him and his reflexes slowing down, Akram faced challenges against formidable opponents, such as the South African pace attack. Eventually, he made the decision to retire from the game.
Despite his retirement, Akram’s contributions to cricket were recognized, and in 2007 he was appointed as a national selector. His expertise and knowledge allowed him to excel in this role, and he eventually became the chief selector in 2011. Though he briefly resigned from this position in March 2012, he later withdrew his resignation, proving his dedication to the improvement and growth of cricket in Bangladesh.
Akram’s impact on the game extends beyond his playing career. He is often referred to as the inspirational uncle of Test cricketers Nafis and Tamim Iqbal, who have followed in his footsteps and achieved success in their own right. Akram also remains a revered figure in Chittagong, where his legacy as a legend of Bangladesh cricket is celebrated.
