Mohammad Shoriful Islam is a cricketer from Bangladesh who has made a significant impact in the world of cricket, particularly with his exceptional left-arm pace bowling skills. Standing tall at 6ft 3in, Shoriful quickly rose to prominence during Bangladesh’s Under-19 World Cup victory in 2020.
Born in Nagardanga, a small village in northern Bangladesh, Shoriful’s journey towards cricketing stardom was not an easy one. Growing up in a place with no electricity, he would cycle for half an hour to reach the nearest bazaar just to watch live cricket matches on TV. It was during the 2015 India series that Shoriful saw the talented Mustafizur Rahman bowl left-arm pace, which inspired him to pursue his dreams of becoming a cricketer.
Shoriful’s dedication and hard work caught the attention of Alamgir Kabir, a bowling coach for Clemon Rajshahi Cricket Academy. After spotting his potential during a trial in Dinajpur, Kabir took him under his wing and guided him towards honing his skills as a bowler and as a cricketer. Within a year, Shoriful made his debut in first-class cricket for Rajshahi, and by mid-2018, he was representing Bangladesh A in two series.
Under the mentorship of bowling coach Mahbub Ali Zaki, Shoriful transitioned from a medium-pacer to a formidable fast bowler in the Under-19 program. His performance during the Under-19 World Cup was a game-changer, as he showcased exceptional aggression and pace, taking a total of nine wickets throughout the tournament. However, it was his incredible performances in the knockout games against South Africa, New Zealand, and India, especially in the final, that truly set him apart.
After returning home to a hero’s welcome and numerous accolades, Shoriful’s progress was temporarily halted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, he continued to work on his skills during the lockdown, and when domestic competitions resumed for the 2020-21 season, Shoriful demonstrated further improvement. His remarkable performances earned him a well-deserved call-up to the ODI side in January 2021 for the series against West Indies, bringing pride and joy to his village and the entire nation.
With his exceptional talent, Shoriful has now become a part of the national team, fulfilling the expectations placed upon him by many cricket enthusiasts in Bangladesh. His left-arm pace, coupled with his aggression and skill, make him a formidable force on the field. As he continues to grow and develop as a cricketer, Shoriful Islam is a bright prospect for Bangladesh cricket and a valuable asset to the team.
In a short period, Shoriful has already proven himself as a force to be reckoned with in the cricketing world. With his dedication, passion, and talent, he is sure to achieve greater heights and contribute significantly to Bangladesh’s success in the years to come.
