Mohammad Aminul Islam, widely known as Bulbul, is a former cricketer from Bangladesh who made major contributions to the sport during his 15-year international career. Born on December 2, 1969, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aminul emerged as one of the country’s most celebrated players in the pre-Test-status era.
Aminul’s cricket journey began in 1988 when he was selected to represent the ICC Associates Young Cricketers’ squad in the first-ever Youth World Cup held in Australia. Although he did not make a significant impact with the bat in the tournament, he impressed with his bowling skills, taking six wickets, including that of the legendary Brian Lara.
The same year, Aminul made his One Day International (ODI) debut, becoming a regular fixture in Bangladesh’s middle-order. He also assumed the captaincy of the Mohammedan Sporting Club in the Dhaka Premier League, leading the team to success over several years.
Aminul’s most remarkable feat came in Bangladesh’s inaugural Test match against India in 2000, where he scored an impressive 145 runs. This achievement made him the second-highest scorer in a nation’s debut Test after Charles Bannerman’s 165 for Australia in the very first official Test match. Despite having limited first-class experience, Aminul showcased resilience and determination by batting for an incredible eight hours and 55 minutes. His innings came to an end as the last man out, marking his greatest achievement in his international career.
Apart from his remarkable Test debut, Aminul also captained the Bangladesh team during the 1999 World Cup campaign, where the team achieved notable victories over Scotland and Pakistan. Although Test cricket did not yield favorable results for Aminul after his century, with only two half-centuries and an average of 21, his contributions extended far beyond mere statistics. Alongside Minhazul Abedin and Akram Khan, Aminul formed the core of Bangladesh cricket in the 1990s, helping lay the foundation for their success in international cricket.
Known for his ability to tackle spinners effectively, Aminul faced challenges against quality fast bowling, a common struggle for Bangladeshi cricketers during that period. However, he displayed resilience by scoring 84 runs against a high-quality Zimbabwe attack in his second Test. Aminul played a crucial role in guiding Mohammad Ashraful to his debut century during a match against Sri Lanka, further showcasing his importance to the team.
Aminul played his last game for Bangladesh in December 2002, and although he never officially retired, he seamlessly transitioned into coaching. Currently, he works for the Asian Cricket Council, where he is responsible for the development of cricket in China.
With a career comprising 39 ODIs and 13 Tests, Aminul’s modest averages fail to reflect his significant contributions to Bangladesh cricket. He was an integral part of the team during its formative years in international cricket and inspired future generations of cricketers.
Mohammad Aminul Islam’s legacy in Bangladesh cricket extends far beyond the numbers. His dedication, perseverance, and impact on the sport continue to inspire cricketers both in Bangladesh and around the world.
