Mashrafe Mortaza facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mashrafe Bin Mortaza
মাশরাফী বিন মোর্তজা
Mortaza at a rally (2019)
Member of Parliament
In office 3 January 2019 – 6 August 2024
Preceded by	Hafizur Rahman
Constituency	Narail-2
Personal details
Born	(1983-10-05) 5 October 1983 (age 41) Narail, Khulna, Bangladesh
Political party	Bangladesh Awami League
Spouse	Sumona Haque Sumi
Children	2
Residences	Dhaka, Bangladesh
Education	Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Alma mater	Jahangirnagar University
Occupation	Politician, cricketer
Signature
Personal information Nickname Mash, Koushik, Narail Express Height 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) Batting Right-handed Bowling Right arm Fast Role Bowler International information National side Bangladesh (2001–2020) Test debut (cap 19) 8 November 2001 v Zimbabwe Last Test 9 July 2009 v West Indies ODI debut (cap 54) 23 November 2001 v Zimbabwe Last ODI 6 March 2020 v Zimbabwe ODI shirt no. 2 T20I debut (cap 4) 28 November 2006 v Zimbabwe Last T20I 6 April 2017 v Sri Lanka T20I shirt no. 2 Domestic team information Years Team 2002–present Khulna Division 2009-2010 Kolkata Knight Riders 2012–2013 Dhaka Gladiators 2015–2016 Comilla Victorians 2017 Rangpur Riders 2019–2020 Dhaka Platoon 2020 Gemcon Khulna 2022 Minister Group Dhaka 2023–2024 Sylhet Strikers Career statistics Competition Test ODI FC LA Matches 36 220 57 335 Runs scored 797 1787 1458 3309 Batting average 12.85 13.74 15.67 15.75 100s/50s 0/3 0/1 1/6 1/8 Top score 79 51* 132* 104 Balls bowled 5990 10922 8970 16427 Wickets 78 270 135 459 Bowling average 41.52 32.93 35.05 29.04 5 wickets in innings 0 1 0 7 10 wickets in match 0 0 0 0 Best bowling 4/60 6/26 4/27 6/26 Catches/stumpings 9/0 62/0 24/0 102/0 Medal record Men's Cricket Representing  Bangladesh Asia Cup Runner-up 2012 Bangladesh Runner-up 2016 Bangladesh Runner-up 2018 UAE Asian Games Bronze 2014 Incheon Team Source: ESPNcricinfo, 7 January 2024

Mashrafe Bin Mortaza (born 5 October 1983) is a famous Bangladeshi politician and cricketer. People often call him the Narail Express. He used to be the captain for the Bangladesh national cricket team in all three types of cricket games. From 2019 to 2024, he was also a member of the Jatiya Sangsad (Bangladesh's Parliament). Many consider him the most successful captain Bangladesh's cricket team has ever had.

Mashrafe started his cricket journey in 2001. He played his first Test match against Zimbabwe. An ankle injury in 2009 made him miss some games. He even missed the 2011 Cricket World Cup. But he came back strong. He led Bangladesh to their first-ever quarterfinals in the 2015 Cricket World Cup. After that, his team won big ODI series against Pakistan, India, and New Zealand at home. These wins helped Bangladesh become a strong ODI team. His leadership also guided Bangladesh to the finals of the Asia Cup twice.

Mashrafe is known for winning the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) title many times as a captain. He won with Dhaka Gladiators in 2012. Then he won with Comilla Victorians in 2015. He also led Rangpur Riders to victory in 2017. This made him the most successful captain in the BPL. In 2019, ESPN ranked him among the world's most famous athletes. He is the first Bangladeshi fast bowler to bowl over 147 km/h. Mashrafe has faced many injuries in his career. He had ten operations on his knees and ankles. In March 2020, he stepped down as the national team captain.

Mashrafe's Cricket Career

Mashrafe is one of the best fast bowlers from Bangladesh. He impressed former West Indies bowler Andy Roberts. Roberts was coaching Bangladesh at the time. Because of Roberts' advice, Mashrafe joined the Bangladesh A team.

Starting International Cricket

Mashrafe played his first Test match on 8 November 2001. It was against Zimbabwe in Dhaka. He took 4 wickets in that game. This was special because it was also his first ever first-class match. He also played his first One Day International (ODI) game in November 2001. He took 2 wickets in that match.

Mashrafe in a training session, 2009

Mashrafe quickly became known as one of Bangladesh's fastest bowlers. He could bowl at speeds over 145 km/h. He often started the bowling for his team.

Dealing with Injuries

Mashrafe faced many injuries early in his career. A back injury in 2002 made him miss games. Then he hurt his knee and needed surgery. He couldn't play cricket for eight months. He returned for the 2003 Cricket World Cup. But he got another knee injury in 2003. This kept him out of cricket for over a year. Injuries meant he played only 12 Tests in his first three years.

Coming Back Strong

Mashrafe made a great comeback in 2004. He played against India. He helped Bangladesh beat India in an ODI match. He took two wickets and scored 31 runs. This earned him the "man of the match" award. In 2005, Bangladesh won their first-ever Test series against Zimbabwe. Mashrafe played a key role in this historic win. He also scored his first first-class century in 2005. He made 132 runs not out.

Mashrafe continued to shine during Bangladesh's tour of England in 2005. He was their best bowler. He also helped Bangladesh win against Australia for the first time. He took a key wicket and bowled well.

More Injuries and Big Wins

In 2005, a back injury forced Mashrafe to leave a tour of Sri Lanka. He couldn't play for several months. He returned in 2006. In July 2006, he took his best ODI bowling figures: 6 wickets for 26 runs. In 2006, Mashrafe took 49 wickets in ODIs. This was the most by any bowler in the world that year.

Mashrafe playing for Bangladesh at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in 2009

Before the 2007 Cricket World Cup, Mashrafe helped Bangladesh beat New Zealand in a warm-up game. He took four wickets and scored 30 runs. In the World Cup, he was "man of the match" against India. He took 4 wickets and helped knock India out. Bangladesh reached the second round of the tournament.

After the World Cup, Mashrafe became the vice-captain of the team. He continued to perform well with both bat and ball.

Playing in the Indian Premier League

In 2009, Mashrafe was bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders for $600,000. This was for the 2009 Indian Premier League. He played only one match for them.

Leading the National Team

In 2009, Mashrafe became the captain of Bangladesh. His first Test match as captain was a win against the West Indies. This was Bangladesh's first Test win overseas. However, he got injured during this match. This injury meant he couldn't play for a long time. Shakib Al Hasan took over as captain.

Mashrafe decided to stop playing Test cricket in 2009. This was because of his ongoing back injuries. He wanted to focus on ODIs and T20s.

Mashrafe during a bowling spell against Afghanistan

In 2010, Mashrafe returned to play ODIs. He even became captain again for a short time. He led Bangladesh to their first-ever ODI win against England. But injuries kept bothering him. In 2010, he tore a knee ligament. This made him miss the 2011 Cricket World Cup. It was a very sad moment for him.

A Strong Comeback in 2012

Mashrafe returned to cricket in 2012. He played in the first Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). He captained the Dhaka Gladiators and led them to win the first BPL title. He then rejoined the national team for the 2012 Asia Cup. Bangladesh reached the final of this tournament.

Leading to World Cup Quarterfinals

Mashrafe was "man of the match" against England in Dhaka

Mashrafe led Bangladesh to the quarterfinals of the 2015 Cricket World Cup. This was a first for Bangladesh. They beat Scotland, Afghanistan, and England in the group stage. Even though they lost to India in the quarterfinals, it was a huge achievement. His attacking captaincy was highly praised.

After the World Cup, Bangladesh played very well at home. They won ODI series against Pakistan, India, and New Zealand. These wins showed Bangladesh was becoming a strong team.

Champions Trophy and Asia Cup Success

Mashrafe bowling against India in the 2015 Cricket World Cup

In 2017, Mashrafe led Bangladesh to the semi-finals of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. They beat New Zealand and drew with Australia. In the 2018 Asia Cup, Bangladesh reached the finals again. They beat Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan. They narrowly lost to India in the final.

In December 2018, Mashrafe played his 200th ODI match. He became the first Bangladeshi cricketer to play 200 ODIs for his country. He was also the captain for Bangladesh in the 2019 Cricket World Cup.

In March 2020, Mashrafe announced he would step down as Bangladesh's ODI captain. His last series as captain was against Zimbabwe. Bangladesh won the series 3-0. This was his 50th win as an ODI captain.

Playing Style and Legacy

Mashrafe was known for his fast and aggressive bowling. He was considered the fastest bowler Bangladesh had produced for a long time. He could bowl at high speeds and often opened the bowling.

He is also a good lower-middle order batsman. He has scored a first-class century and three Test half-centuries. He holds records for the highest strike rate in Tests and ODIs for Bangladesh. He once scored 26 runs in an ODI over, including four sixes.

Mashrafe plays a shot against England in Mirpur

Mashrafe's career has been affected by many injuries. He has had multiple surgeries on his knees and ankles. Despite this, he continued to play and lead his team.

In March 2020, Mashrafe became the third Bangladeshi player to take 700 wickets in his professional career. He was the first fast bowler to reach this milestone.

Retirement from Captaincy and T20Is

Mashrafe has not played Test cricket since 2009 due to injuries. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) did not allow him to play in the longer format.

On 4 April 2017, Mashrafe announced his retirement from Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). His last T20I match was on 6 April 2017 against Sri Lanka.

In March 2020, he stepped down as the ODI captain. He has not officially retired from ODI cricket. However, he is not playing regularly for the Bangladesh national team anymore.

Life Outside Cricket

Personal Life

Mashrafe with his family.

Mashrafe is married to Sumona Haque Sumi. They got married in 2006. They have a son and a daughter.

Political Career

Mashrafe entered politics in 2018. He ran for a seat in the Parliament (Jatiya Sangsad). He won with a huge number of votes from his area, Narail-2. In 2019, he became a member of the Parliamentary Committee on Youth and Sports Ministry. He also serves as the youth and sports secretary for the Bangladesh Awami League party. In January 2024, he was appointed as a Whip in the Parliament.

Achievements and Awards

Mashrafe has received many awards for his achievements.

National Honours

• 2010 - National Sports Awards, from the Government of Bangladesh.
• 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 - "Highest Taxpayers in Sports Category" by the National Board of Revenue (NBR).
• 2017 - Outstanding Achievement in Sport and "Sports Award of the Year" at Meril Prothom Alo Awards.
• 2018 - Outstanding Achievement in Sport and "Peoples Choice Award" at Meril Prothom Alo Awards.
• 2019 - "Lifetime Achievement Award" by Amader Shomoy.
• 2015 - Kool-BSPA "Real Sportsman Award".
• 2018 - Mercantile Bank "Eminent Personalities of the Year".
• 2019 - "Successful Entrepreneur" by Bangladesh Digital Social Innovation Forum.

Mashrafe Mortaza receives the People's Choice award by Prothom Alo in Dhaka on May 28, 2018

International Honours

• 2017 - "Best Bengali Sportsman of the Year" by ABP Group of India.
• 2023 - MCC Honorary Life Member by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).

Narail Express Foundation

Mashrafe launched the Narail Express Foundation. This foundation aims to help people in his hometown of Narail. It works to provide modern facilities, better education, and job opportunities. It also promotes cultural activities and sports training. The foundation wants to make Narail an environmentally friendly town.

Books About Mashrafe

Several books have been written about Mashrafe:

• মাশরাফি (Mashrafe)
• মানুষ মাশরাফি (The Person Mashrafe)
• মাশরাফিনামা (Mashrafenama)
• মাশরাফির দেশে ক্রিকেটার ভূত (Cricket ghost in the country of Mashrafe)
• মাশরাফির সঙ্গে ক্রিকেট আনন্দে (Cricket rejoices with Mashrafe)
• মাশরাফির জন্য ভালোবাসা (Love for Mashrafe)
• কৌশিক থেকে মাশরাফি (Koushik to Mashrafe)
• উৎপল শুভ্রের মুখোমুখি মাশরাফি (Mashrafe face to face with Utpol Shuvro)
• অধিনায়ক (Captain)
• কথায়-আড্ডায় মাশরাফি (Interviews with Mashrafe)

Images for kids

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  Mashrafe hugged by a fan who breached field security parameters