Shafiul Islam, A name of self motivation

Shafiul Islam, one of the main arms of Bangladeshi pace attack had to struggle by himself to come to this national team. He is an example of self motivation. He has proved himself to keep nerves under control during the pressure time. He bowled the last over against England in last year where Bangladesh beat English for the first time. He picked up the wicket of centurion Jonathon Trott in that over. Here is some of his grow up history which was published in TNA.  TNA wrote, “His talent was spotted at a very tender age, but Shafiul Islam hardly had any idea that he would be able to come this far. He grew up watching India-Pakistan cricket and always wanted to play like his idol Wasim Akram. Seeing him performing regularly in tape-tennis cricket at his home ground at Balohati in Joypurhat, many neighbours advised him to get admitted to the Bangladesh Krira Sikkha Protishthan. But he did no dare to dream it as it was too expensive for his family. His mother kept inspiring him, but Shafiul was not getting any way to realise his dream. When he was just about to lose his interest in cricket Shafiul heard about Pink City Talent Hunt programme and decided to try his luck there. Former national cricketers conducted the programme in 2005-06 and they made no mistake in spotting him. Former national opener Hannan Sarkar took him to Brothers Union to play in Dhaka Premier League and it came as a real breakthrough. He caught the attention of the selectors when he became the highest wicket-taker in the league last season playing for Bangladesh Biman and was drafted into the national team straightaway. His ability with the bat, especially the half-century against Abahani which helped Biman tie the game coming from nowhere, also helped his selection. His first scoring shot in Test cricket was a six, which also evidenced his all-round ability. However, the smiling assassin, Shafiul, considers himself as an out and out fast bowler and wants to serve Bangladesh for as many days as possible. ‘I still have miles to go. Being a fast bowler fitness is my top priority as I want serve my country for a long period of time,’ said Shafiul.”