Best Cricket Player: Over the past two decades, Bangladesh has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in world cricket. While the team has often been overshadowed by the traditional cricketing powerhouses, it has steadily built a reputation for producing world-class cricketers. From their first Test victory in 2005 to becoming regular competitors in ICC tournaments, Bangladesh’s cricketing evolution has been remarkable.
One of the most debated topics among cricket enthusiasts and analysts is the question of who stands out as the best cricket player in the Bangladesh team. The team has several talented players who have earned global recognition for their skills, leadership, and impact on the field.
This article explores the player who has been the most significant to Bangladesh’s success over the years, analyzing their achievements, contributions, and overall impact on the team. We will focus on the careers of key players and highlight why one player, in particular, stands out as the best in the Bangladesh national team.
Key Contenders for the Title of “Best Player”
To determine the best player, we need to examine the careers of several prominent cricketers who have contributed significantly to Bangladesh’s cricketing history. Some of the key players to consider are:
- Shakib Al Hasan: Arguably the most influential cricketer in Bangladesh’s history, Shakib has been a cornerstone of the team for over a decade. His all-round abilities make him one of the best in world cricket.
- Tamim Iqbal: As the leading run-scorer for Bangladesh in ODIs and Tests, Tamim has been a stalwart for the team, known for his consistency and ability to anchor the innings.
- Mashrafe Mortaza: The former captain and an inspirational leader, Mashrafe has had a major impact on Bangladesh’s cricketing success, especially in the ODI format.
- Mushfiqur Rahim: A reliable wicketkeeper-batsman, Mushfiqur has been central to Bangladesh’s victories in crucial moments, with his calm temperament and ability to perform under pressure.
- Mahmudullah Riyad: Known for his versatile batting and calm leadership, Mahmudullah has been key to many of Bangladesh’s middle-order successes.
Shakib Al Hasan: The All-Rounder Extraordinaire
While many players have contributed to Bangladesh’s rise, Shakib Al Hasan is widely regarded as the best cricket player in the team. His exceptional all-round abilities, both with the bat and the ball, have made him one of the most valuable players in world cricket. As of 2025, Shakib is ranked among the top all-rounders in the world and has consistently been a match-winner for Bangladesh.
Shakib’s Career Highlights:
- ODI Career: Shakib is the highest run-scorer and wicket-taker for Bangladesh in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He has scored over 7,000 runs and taken more than 275 wickets in ODIs.
- Test Career: As of 2025, Shakib has over 3,000 runs and more than 200 wickets in Test cricket, making him one of the few players in history to achieve such feats in both formats.
- T20I Contributions: Shakib has been one of the top players in T20 internationals, consistently contributing with both bat and ball in Bangladesh’s T20I team.
- Record-Setting Performances: Shakib became the first Bangladeshi player to achieve the number one ranking as an all-rounder in ICC rankings, a position he has held multiple times during his career.
The Impact of Shakib Al Hasan:
- Match-Winner: Shakib’s ability to turn the tide of a match with both bat and ball makes him an irreplaceable asset to the team. His performances in crucial matches, especially in ICC events, have helped Bangladesh register historic wins.
- Consistency: His longevity at the top level is a testament to his skill and determination. Unlike other players who may have been one-dimensional, Shakib’s all-round abilities have given Bangladesh balance and adaptability.
- Leadership: Although he has not always been the captain, Shakib’s leadership on the field has been invaluable. His tactical acumen and ability to take responsibility during critical moments have earned him the respect of teammates and coaches alike.
Shakib’s Statistical Overview:
| Format | Matches Played | Runs Scored | Wickets Taken | Average Batting | Average Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 204 | 7,268 | 275 | 35.00 | 29.00 |
| Test | 59 | 3,230 | 205 | 38.00 | 32.00 |
| T20I | 76 | 1,400 | 92 | 26.00 | 23.00 |
Other Contenders
While Shakib Al Hasan is widely regarded as the best player, several other cricketers have had a massive impact on Bangladesh’s success, making them worthy of mention. Let’s take a closer look at some of these players.
1. Tamim Iqbal: The Pillar of Bangladesh’s Top Order
Tamim Iqbal has been one of the most consistent performers for Bangladesh. His role as an opening batsman is pivotal to the team’s success, and he has been the backbone of Bangladesh’s batting lineup.
- ODI Career: With over 8,000 runs, Tamim is Bangladesh’s highest run-scorer in ODIs. He has consistently provided the team with solid starts.
- Test Career: Tamim is also a crucial figure in Bangladesh’s Test team, having scored over 5,000 runs in the longest format.
- T20I Impact: Though not as successful in T20s, Tamim has delivered solid performances when needed.
Statistical Overview of Tamim Iqbal:
| Format | Matches Played | Runs Scored | Average Batting |
|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 214 | 8,080 | 36.00 |
| Test | 71 | 5,012 | 40.00 |
| T20I | 78 | 1,200 | 26.00 |
2. Mushfiqur Rahim: The Reliable Wicketkeeper-Batsman
Mushfiqur Rahim is one of the most experienced players in the Bangladesh team. His ability to score runs under pressure and his wicketkeeping skills make him a valuable asset.
- ODI Career: Mushfiqur has scored over 6,000 runs in ODIs and is known for his match-winning performances in tight situations.
- Test Career: He has been equally effective in Tests, with over 4,500 runs to his name, making him one of the leading Test batsmen in Bangladesh.
- T20I Impact: Mushfiqur’s contributions in T20s, while not as frequent, have been key during crucial moments.
Statistical Overview of Mushfiqur Rahim:
| Format | Matches Played | Runs Scored | Average Batting |
|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 213 | 6,141 | 34.00 |
| Test | 68 | 4,598 | 38.00 |
| T20I | 78 | 1,700 | 29.00 |
3. Mashrafe Mortaza: The Inspirational Leader
- ODI Career: Mashrafe played over 200 ODIs and has been integral to Bangladesh’s success in one-day internationals.
- Test Career: He is one of Bangladesh’s most successful fast bowlers in Tests, though injuries prevented him from having a longer career in the longest format.
- T20I Impact: Mashrafe’s leadership has been central to Bangladesh’s T20I team, and he has been instrumental in bringing Bangladesh to the forefront of international cricket.
Statistical Overview of Mashrafe Mortaza:
| Format | Matches Played | Wickets Taken | Average Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 220 | 270 | 31.00 |
| Test | 36 | 78 | 37.00 |
| T20I | 54 | 39 | 22.00 |
Conclusion: Shakib Al Hasan – The Best of Bangladesh
After considering the performances of various players, Shakib Al Hasan is undoubtedly the best player in Bangladesh’s cricket history. His exceptional all-round skills, consistency, and leadership qualities have made him the cornerstone of Bangladesh’s success in international cricket.
Shakib’s ability to perform with both bat and ball in all formats of the game has set him apart from other cricketers. His contributions to Bangladesh’s victories, both in ICC events and bilateral series, have solidified his place as the best player in the team.
Though players like Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mashrafe Mortaza have had significant impacts, Shakib’s longevity, versatility, and record-breaking performances make him an undisputed legend in Bangladesh cricket.