Naeem Islam

Naeem Islam was once known as Bangladesh’s dependable crisis man in the late 2000s, stepping up when the team needed him most. Despite a steady international career spanning six years, his time at the top level ended quietly and somewhat mysteriously, with little fanfare or media attention. Yet domestically, Naeem has been a true stalwart, claiming six first-class titles with three different teams and becoming the first player in Bangladesh to score more than 30 first-class centuries.

Even in his late 30s, Naeem continues to excel in the longer format, averaging an astonishing 69.70 in the 2023-24 first-class season—a remarkable feat that only deepens the mystery of why he was overlooked for the national team for so long. His last international outing came at the 2014 Asia Cup, where he twice got starts but failed to convert. Earlier, he had made crucial contributions in ODIs, including two match-winning fifties against New Zealand during Bangladesh’s dominant 3-0 series win, stepping in admirably for Shakib Al Hasan during absences. Sadly, Naeem became one of the many players to fall victim to sweeping changes by the Bangladesh Cricket Board after a difficult 2013-14 period.

Naeem’s international journey began amid turmoil in 2008, when Bangladesh lost numerous players to the unsanctioned Indian Cricket League. Called up as one of three uncapped players, he started in a modest role as a lower-order batsman and part-time off-spinner. His breakthrough came in 2009 with an unbeaten 73 against Zimbabwe that sealed a thrilling one-wicket win, earning him the nickname “Chhokka Naeem” for his aggressive hitting. Though he lost his place in late 2011 after a run of low scores, he bounced back with a gritty maiden Test century the following year, showing great resilience even if his Test career was short-lived.

Turning his focus to domestic cricket, Naeem has been nothing short of prolific. He averaged 71.81 in 2014-15 and recorded four centuries in the 2016-17 season. His best domestic year was 2018-19 when he amassed 966 runs. He has been a key player in championship-winning teams across Bangladesh’s National Cricket League and Bangladesh Cricket League, including three titles with Rajshahi Division, two with Rangpur Division, and one with North Zone.

In addition to his domestic achievements at home, Naeem also enjoyed a successful season overseas in England. In 2017, he played for Birkenhead Park in the Liverpool League, where he impressed with 716 runs at an exceptional average of 89.50 and took 32 wickets at just 13.59, showcasing his all-round abilities and adaptability to English conditions.

Born on December 31, 1986, in Gaibandha, Naeem made his first-class debut in 2004-05 and steadily climbed through Bangladesh’s youth ranks before making his international debut in October 2008. Beyond international cricket, he has continued to shine at the domestic level, leading the run-scoring charts in various tournaments including the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League and National Cricket League.

Naeem Islam’s career is a testament to perseverance and consistency—qualities that have earned him deep respect in Bangladesh cricket, even if his international career ended prematurely. His ongoing domestic dominance highlights a player who could easily have enjoyed a longer run at the highest level.