Introduction
Minhajul Abedin, widely recognized in cricket circles, has carved a remarkable path through his enduring career. Born with a passion for the sport, Minhajul Abedin displayed early promise in his formative years. His journey from humble beginnings to professional cricket was marked by determination and perseverance. Abedin’s ascent in the cricketing world highlights his unwavering dedication and skillful play. Throughout his career, Minhajul Abedin has left an indelible mark, inspiring aspiring cricketers and garnering admiration from fans worldwide. His story unfolds as a testament to the power of passion and hard work in achieving sporting greatness.
Minhajul Abedin Biography
| Full Name | Minhajul Abedin |
| Nick Name | Nannu |
| Profession | Bangladeshi Cricketer |
| Place of Birth | Chittagong, East Pakistan, Pakistan |
| Born | September 25, 1965, Chittagong |
| Age | 58y 271d |
| Batting Style | Right-Handed Bat |
| Bowling Style | Right arm Offbreak |
Minhajul Abedin Career
Minhajul Abedin Nannu, born on 25 September 1965, is a former Bangladeshi cricketer. He participated in 27 One Day Internationals from 1986 to 1999. Leading Bangladesh twice during the Asia Cup of 1990–91, he earned respect for his leadership. In the local cricket scene, he is affectionately known as “Nannu”. Post-retirement, Abedin became one of the key selectors for BCB, alongside Akram Khan and Habibul Bashar.
Personal life
His elder brother, Nurul Abedin played four One Day Internationals for Bangladesh.
Domestic Career
In the early 1980s, Nannu caught the attention of cricket selectors. In December 1983, he was chosen to tour West Bengal. Though not very successful there, he shone in the 1984 South-East Asia Cup. Des Despite his 60 against the national team, Nannu’s 44 against Hong Kong at Chittagong clinched a win for the Tigers. Moreover, his gentle medium pacers earned 2/8 against Singapore. Following this, he enjoyed a successful tour of Kenya with the national team. Playing for Abahani, he consistently scored in the 1984-85 domestic cricket season. Despite setbacks against the Lankans and Omar Quareshi XI, he showcased his talent during the Pakistan tour in March.
Establishment and Records
Minhajul Abedin became a regular member of the national side for over a decade. A right-handed middle-order batsman, he played in Bangladesh’s inaugural ODI game against Pakistan at Moratuwa in 1985-86. Unfortunately, he never got the chance to play Test cricket for Bangladesh. However, he enjoyed a brief first-class career, scoring 1709 runs at an average of 51.78. In 1998, Minhajul Abedin and Khaled Mahmud set a record 267* run 5th wicket partnership in List A cricket.
International Career
After the team’s poor showing in the 1986 ICC Trophy, BCCB shifted focus to developing domestic cricket. Over the next few seasons, Bangladesh participated in limited international events. In January 1988, they won the 2nd South East Asia Cup in Hong Kong. This victory qualified them for the 4th Asia Cup in 1990. They also hosted the 3rd Asia Cup in October 1988, automatically qualifying as hosts. However, regular international cricket for Bangladesh resumed during the 1989-90 season. The national team prepared for the 4th ICC Trophy in the Netherlands. During this period, Minhajul Abedin was in peak form, delivering memorable performances.
International Cricket and World Cup Performance
A decade later, Minhajul Abedin retired from international cricket after the 1999 Cricket World Cup. Despite his prior struggles, he was included in the squad. He bounced back from scoring 5 against West Indies to hit an unbeaten 68 against Scotland, winning man of the match. He followed this with another unbeaten half-century against Australia. Although he failed with the bat against Pakistan in the final game, his off-spin bowling helped secure a historic win. Taking 1/29 off 7 overs, he played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s first win over a Test-playing team.
Contributions to ICC Trophy Tournaments
Minhajul Abedin participated in four ICC Trophy tournaments for Bangladesh. In 1986, he struggled with the bat, averaging only 25.16, with a top score of 50 against Kenya. However, his bowling was impressive, taking 5 wickets at an average of 9.40. As Vice-Captain in the 1990 ICC Trophy in the Netherlands, he was a vital team member. He scored 236 runs, the highest for his team, and took 11 wickets at 21.18. His top score of 57 came in the Semi-Final against Zimbabwe. Although Bangladesh did not reach the Semi-Finals in 1994, Abedin performed well, scoring 189 runs and taking 16 wickets. In the triumphant 1997 campaign, he contributed 185 runs and 6 wickets, being the most experienced player.
Captaincy
In 1988, Nannu was appointed Vice-Captain to Gazi Ashraf Lipu. After two years, he became national team captain in 1990-91. Under his leadership, Bangladesh lost both Asia Cup games but performed well against stronger teams. In 1992, Bangladesh won the South East Asia Cup in Singapore. His biggest success as captain came in December 1992. He led Bangladesh to a victory over Sri Lanka ‘A’ in Dhaka.
Minhajul Abedin Stats
Batting & Fielding Career Summary
| FORMAT | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | Ct | St |
| ODIs | 27 | 26 | 2 | 453 | 68* | 18.87 | 909 | 49.83 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| FC | 24 | 36 | 3 | 1709 | 210 | 51.78 | – | – | 4 | 9 | 20 | 0 |
| List A | 65 | 62 | 6 | 1567 | 109* | 27.98 | – | – | 1 | 12 | 14 | 0 |
Bowling Career Summary
| FORMAT | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
| ODIs | 27 | 18 | 546 | 511 | 13 | 2/39 | 2/39 | 39.30 | 5.61 | 42.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| FC | 24 | – | 841 | 332 | 12 | 3/27 | – | 27.66 | 2.36 | 70.0 | – | 0 | 0 |
| List A | 65 | – | 966 | 805 | 20 | 2/39 | 2/39 | 40.25 | 5.00 | 48.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Minhajul Abedin’s Most Memorable Matches
Minhajul Abedin has had several memorable matches throughout his career. Here are a few notable ones:
- Bangladesh’s Inaugural ODI: Abedin played in Bangladesh’s first-ever ODI match against Pakistan in 1986 at Moratuwa. This match marked a significant milestone in Bangladesh’s cricket history.
- 1999 World Cup: Abedin played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s last match against Pakistan in the 1999 World Cup. He scored two unbeaten half-centuries against Scotland and Australia, and his off-breaks were crucial in Bangladesh’s win against Pakistan.
- Captaincy in the Asia Cup: Abedin captained Bangladesh in the 1990 Asia Cup held in India. Although Bangladesh lost both matches, Abedin’s young team was praised for their performance against strong opponents.
- Domestic Success: Abedin played 24 FC games and ended with an impressive average above 50. He is currently one of the selectors of the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
These matches highlight Abedin’s significant contributions to Bangladesh cricket, both domestically and internationally.
What Challenges Did Minhajul Abedin Face During His Cricket Career
Minhajul Abedin faced a few key challenges during his cricket career:
- Captaincy Pressure: As captain of the 1990 Asia Cup, Abedin led a young team against tough opponents, losing both matches. However, they were praised for their performance, indicating the challenges of leading an emerging team against established cricketing nations.
- Lack of Confidence: Bangladesh team in its early days “didn’t know how good they were” and “drove with the handbrakes on”, implying a lack of confidence and freedom to perform to their full potential. As a senior player, Abedin would have had to navigate this mental barrier.
- Scrutiny and Criticism: As captain, Abedin disliked winning tosses because a loss meant facing constant scrutiny in Dhaka about his decisions. This suggests the intense public scrutiny and criticism the team faced, which Abedin had to manage.
- Transitioning to Test Cricket: Despite being a successful first-class cricketer, Abedin never got the opportunity to play Test cricket for Bangladesh. The search results indicate his Test debut prospects faded as time passed after Bangladesh attained Test status.
- Inconsistent Team Selection: During a 47-match ODI streak without a win, Bangladesh rotated through 39 players, making team cohesion challenging for senior players like Abedin.
Overall, Abedin had to navigate the challenges of leading an emerging team, dealing with public pressure, and transitioning to the highest level of the game during a formative period for Bangladesh cricket.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Minhajul Abedin’s biography and cricket journey are truly inspiring. Throughout his career, he displayed remarkable dedication and skill. Despite facing challenges, he consistently performed and led his team with distinction. His achievements, both as a player and a captain, have left a lasting legacy. Minhajul Abedin’s contributions to Bangladeshi cricket will always be remembered. His story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and passion in sports.
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Discover Minhajul Abedin’s inspiring cricket journey and legacy, from player to captain, shaping Bangladeshi cricket history.
FAQs
1. What was Minhajul Abedin’s early cricketing experience?
Minhajul Abedin started his cricketing journey in Bangladesh, playing for the second-division team Lalmatia in Dhaka. He later moved to Mohammedan, one of the biggest clubs in the DPL, and played a significant role in the team’s success.
2.What are some notable performances by Minhajul Abedin in his career?
Abedin played a vital role in Bangladesh’s inaugural ODI and was instrumental in winning his last match against Pakistan in the 1999 World Cup. He also captained the national team during the Asia Cup of 1990-91 and led the team to a win over Sri Lanka ‘A’ in Dhaka in 1992.
3. What is Minhajul Abedin’s current role in Bangladesh cricket?
Minhajul Abedin is currently the chief selector of the Bangladesh national cricket team. He has been involved in various roles in the team, including captaincy and selection, and has been instrumental in shaping the team’s performance over the years.
