Mohammad Rafique, a talented cricketer from Bangladesh, made a notable impact on the international cricket scene during his career. Known for his accurate and rhythmical slow left-arm bowling, Rafique quickly became an integral part of the national team.
Rafique made his Test debut in November 2000 during Bangladesh’s inaugural Test match. Despite being a relatively new team on the scene, he showcased his skills with an impressive display, delivering the most economical figures for his side. However, his career faced a setback shortly after when his bowling action came under suspicion.
Undeterred by the setback, Rafique made a strong comeback in May 2003 with an exceptional performance against South Africa in Dhaka. His figures of 6 for 77 became the best bowling performance by a Bangladeshi in 19 Tests at the time. This success acted as a catalyst for his further achievements.
Later in 2003, Rafique emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the series against England, solidifying his place as a key player for Bangladesh. In addition to his bowling prowess, he also displayed his batting abilities, often using his big-hitting skills to add valuable runs down the order. His innings of 77 against Kenya in May 1998 was instrumental in securing Bangladesh’s first-ever victory over the African nation.
One of Rafique’s most memorable batting performances came in May 2004 against the West Indies in St Lucia. Batting at Number 9, he smashed an astonishing 111, helping Bangladesh secure a crucial first-innings lead. His all-round contributions played a vital role in Bangladesh’s first Test victory in 2005 when he took 5 for 65 against Zimbabwe in Chittagong.
Recognized for his consistent performances, Rafique was named Bangladesh’s Cricketer of the Year for the 2004-05 season. Despite facing occasional challenges, such as a public dispute with coach Dav Whatmore, he remained a valuable member of the national side beyond his 36th birthday.
In April 2006, Rafique almost single-handedly upset Australia with a remarkable spell of bowling that led to nine wickets, narrowly missing out on his ambition to claim 100 wickets in Test cricket. However, he achieved this milestone soon after against Zimbabwe in November, becoming the first Bangladeshi player to accomplish the double of 1000 runs and 100 wickets in One-Day Internationals.
In 2008, Rafique reluctantly announced his retirement after being overlooked for selection in the one-day side. However, he bid farewell to the game on a high note by becoming the first Bangladeshi bowler to take 100 Test wickets in his final match against South Africa in Chittagong.
After retirement, Rafique decided to give competitive cricket another shot by joining the Indian Cricket League (ICL) in 2008. Unfortunately, he faced a 10-year ban imposed by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for participating in the league. Despite this setback, he left the ICL in the following year.
Mohammad Rafique’s contribution to Bangladesh cricket cannot be understated. With his accurate left-arm bowling and vital contributions with the bat, he played a significant role in the growth and development of Bangladesh as a cricketing nation. His achievements will long be remembered by cricket fans around the world.