Minhajul Abedin, popularly known as Minhajul, is a former cricketer from Bangladesh who played as a middle-order batsman and offspin bowler. He was born on September 15, 1968, in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Minhajul made his international debut at the age of 20, representing Bangladesh in their first official one-day international (ODI) against Pakistan in 1985-86. From the beginning, his talent and dedication to the sport were evident, and he quickly became an integral part of the team.
During his career, Minhajul played a total of 45 ODIs for Bangladesh, showcasing his excellent batting skills and versatility. He often held the innings together with his solid technique and calm temperament. Minhajul even had the honor of captaining the Bangladesh team in two matches during the Asia Cup in 1990-91, which demonstrated the trust and respect his teammates had for him.
Although his batting record was not exceptional early on, Minhajul’s perseverance paid off during the 1999 World Cup. In a crucial match against Scotland, he played a brilliant innings, becoming the top scorer and leading Bangladesh to victory. He also impressed against the powerhouse Australian team, scoring an unbeaten gritty 53, elevating Bangladesh’s performance and gaining recognition as a reliable batsman.
Despite these notable performances, Minhajul’s career was marred by inconsistency, and he struggled to post scores above 40 in his first 23 innings. However, his determination and hard work made him a valuable asset to the team.
In 1999, Minhajul retired from international cricket on a high note after the World Cup. His crucial contribution in helping Bangladesh secure their first victory against Test-playing opposition, Pakistan, showcased his immense talent and value to the team. His final international cricket appearance was in a match against Pakistan in Northampton, where he bowled seven economical overs of offspin, restricting the opposition’s scoring rate.
Despite retiring from international cricket, Minhajul’s technique and temperament kept him in the selectors’ minds when Bangladesh was granted Test status. In 2002, at the age of 36, he was even invited to join a national training camp, raising hopes of a potential Test debut. However, his chance to play in the longest format of the game never materialized.
Minhajul’s contributions to Bangladesh cricket cannot be understated. He was a pioneer of the sport in the country, playing in their first official ODI and being part of significant victories. Throughout his career, Minhajul exhibited resilience, determination, and a strong work ethic, setting an example for future generations of Bangladeshi cricketers.
After retiring from cricket, Minhajul transitioned into administrative roles within the sport. He served as a selector for the Bangladesh national team and became involved in the development and talent identification programs. His knowledge and experience continue to contribute to the growth of cricket in Bangladesh.
Minhajul Abedin’s legacy as a cricketer and a contributor to the sport in Bangladesh remains significant. His dedication and passion for the game have left an indelible mark on the cricketing landscape of his country.
