Biography

Left-arm spin bowler Mohammad Rafique made his maiden appearance in Bangladesh’s first-ever Test in 2000, and emerged as his side’s most economical bowler. Soon after, suspect bowling action plotted his downfall temporarily, though there was certainly a comeback.

Rafique came back stronger than before in 2003, with a rare five-wicket haul against South Africa. The same year, he went on to become his team’s leading wicket-taker in the England series. While he is an accurate bowler, glimpses of his batting have often surprised the opponents. For instance, a gritty 111 at the No. 9 position against West Indies ensured a first-innings lead was achieved by his team. Rafique contributed in Bangladesh’s first Test win with a fifer that came against Zimbabwe in 2005. The following year, he became the first Bangladeshi to have completed a double of 1000 runs and 100 wickets in Tests. 

On being overlooked for selection in 2008, the artistic bowler announced his retirement, much against his own wish. But he bowed out in style, becoming the first cricketer in Bangladesh’s cricketing history to have bagged 100 Test wickets. He then joined the rebel league in the same year, eventually being banned by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for 10 years, but later quit.