Muktar Ali, a talented cricketer from Bangladesh, has long been considered a promising seam-bowling allrounder. Throughout his career, his name has often come up in discussions about potential additions to the senior team’s squad, but he has struggled to secure a permanent place in the final XI.
Muktar made his international debut in a T20I against Zimbabwe in January 2016. Unfortunately, he failed to make an impact, going wicketless and hitting just one six in a challenging chase. However, his talent and potential have been evident since his first-class debut in 2006.
Known for his ability to bowl at a brisk pace and hit sixes with ease, Muktar has been a standout player for the Rajshahi Division in the National Cricket League (NCL). He has consistently performed well with the ball, taking a career-best 32 wickets in the 2011-12 season. In terms of batting, he achieved a personal milestone in the 2013-14 season by crossing the 400-run mark in a single NCL tournament, a feat he has not replicated since.
One of Muktar’s most memorable achievements came during that same season, when he scored his highest first-class score of 168 runs off just 148 balls. Impressively, this innings included a staggering 16 sixes, showcasing his powerful hitting ability. It played a crucial role in Rajshahi’s remarkable comeback after the team found themselves struggling at 77 for 6 against Chittagong Division. Thanks to Muktar’s efforts, along with massive partnerships of 347 for the seventh wicket with Farhad Reza and 224 for the eighth wicket with Sunzamul Islam, Rajshahi managed to recover and declare the innings at 675 for 9.
However, despite these impressive performances, Muktar has struggled to consistently make an impact and gain the selectors’ attention. One of the main obstacles he has faced is his lack of notable performances with the ball. With Bangladesh increasingly favoring specialists for the shorter formats of the game, Muktar, once referred to as Bangladesh’s Ryan Harris by former coach Shane Jurgensen, still has a long way to go in establishing himself as a regular member of the national team.
Off the field, not much is known about Muktar’s personal life. He prefers to let his cricketing abilities speak for themselves. However, it is evident that he possesses immense talent and potential, and with the right opportunities and guidance, he could become a significant asset for Bangladesh cricket.
Muktar Ali is a talented cricketer from Bangladesh, known for his ability to bowl at pace and hit sixes effortlessly. Despite struggling to secure a permanent place in the national team, his performances in domestic cricket have consistently showcased his talent. With further development and opportunities, Muktar has the potential to become a key player for Bangladesh on the international stage.