Mashrafe Bin Mortaza: The Narail Express Who Bowled Over Bangladesh – On and Off the Field
Mashrafe Bin Mortaza: The Narail Express Who Bowled Over Bangladesh – On and Off the Field
Mashrafe Bin Mortaza,
affectionately known as the Narail Express, is a name that
resonates deeply in the hearts of millions of Bangladeshis. From his fiery pace
on the cricket pitch to his passionate service in politics, Mashrafe’s journey
is a tale of resilience, leadership, and unwavering patriotism.
Early Life and Rise to Cricket Stardom
Born on October 5, 1983,
in Narail, a district in southwestern Bangladesh, Mashrafe’s
childhood was filled with sports like football and badminton.
His love for cricket blossomed
early, and his raw pace and fearless attitude quickly caught the attention of
selectors. In 2001, he made his Test debut against Zimbabwe,
marking the beginning of a remarkable international career.
Mashrafe was the first
genuine fast bowler to emerge from Bangladesh, and his aggressive
bowling style earned him accolades from legends like Andy Roberts.
Despite suffering numerous
injuries and undergoing multiple surgeries, he remained a cornerstone of
Bangladesh’s bowling attack for nearly two decades.
Cricketing Achievements and Legacy
Mashrafe captained Bangladesh
in all three formats of the game and is widely regarded as
the most successful captain in the country’s cricket history.
Under his leadership:
- Bangladesh reached the quarterfinals of the
2015 Cricket World Cup.
- The team won historic ODI series against
Pakistan, India, and New Zealand.
- Bangladesh qualified for the 2017 ICC
Champions Trophy, finishing as semifinalists.
- He led teams to multiple Bangladesh Premier
League (BPL) titles, making him the most successful BPL captain
Mashrafe’s career stats are
impressive: 270 ODI wickets, multiple match-winning performances,
and a reputation for inspiring his teammates to punch above their weight
Transition to Politics: Serving the Nation Beyond Cricket
In 2018, while still an active
cricketer, Mashrafe made headlines by contesting the 11th National
Parliamentary Elections from Narail-2 under the Bangladesh
Awami League banner. He won with a landslide, securing over 271,000
votes, becoming the first active international cricketer to be
elected as a Member of Parliament. As an MP, Mashrafe focused on grassroots
development, especially in his hometown Narail. His initiatives included
improving healthcare, education, and sports infrastructure. His popularity as a
politician stems not just from his cricketing fame but from his genuine
commitment to public service.
Personal Life and Values
Mashrafe is married to Sumona
Haque Sumi, and they have two children. He holds a Bachelor’s
degree in Philosophy from Jahangirnagar University Known for his
humility and grounded nature, he remains a beloved figure in Bangladesh, often
referred to as the “Prince of Hearts” in Narail
Conclusion: A True Bangladeshi Icon
Mashrafe Bin Mortaza’s story is
one of grit, glory, and giving back. Whether it was charging in
with the new ball or standing up for his constituents in Parliament, Mashrafe
has always led from the front. His legacy is not just in wickets or votes but
in the inspiration he provides to millions who dare to dream big.
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