Roots in a Football-Loving Village
Growing Up in Tetulia
Football was the dominant sport in Tetulia, located nearly 40 kilometres from Satkhira town. Cricket was not the natural choice for youngsters here, but Mustafizur followed his elder brothers to the streets, bowling with a tennis ball instead of chasing a football.
The Youngest of Six Siblings
As the youngest among six siblings, Mustafizur learned the game informally, absorbing skills through repetition rather than structured coaching. Those early street games quietly shaped his control and creativity.
A Batsman’s Dream That Faded
Inspired by Shahid Afridi
Like many young boys, Mustafizur initially wanted to be a batsman. He admired Shahid Afridi’s ability to clear boundaries with ease and dreamed of hitting the ball long and clean.
Reality Check With the Bat
However, power-hitting never came naturally to him. His batting style leaned towards defense, and over time, it became clear that his future lay with the ball rather than the bat.
The Accidental Birth of a Weapon
An Under-19 Camp Moment
The defining moment of Mustafizur’s career arrived during an Under-19 camp in Dhaka. While bowling in the nets to wicketkeeper-batter Anamul Haque, he was asked if he could deliver a slower ball.
Discovery of the Off-Cutter
Though he had never bowled one before, Mustafizur instinctively rolled his fingers across the ball. The result surprised everyone—the ball slowed, bounced awkwardly, and deviated sharply, resembling an off-spinner’s delivery.
That session proved decisive. After dismissing Anamul multiple times, Mustafizur realised he had found a unique strength that could set him apart.
Becoming Cricket’s Master of Deception
Beyond Raw Pace
Mustafizur’s success has never been about express speed. His arsenal includes sharp off-cutters, clever angles, well-disguised yorkers and occasional bouncers that keep batters guessing.
World-Class Batters Undone
His variations have troubled the very best in the game, including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and Jos Buttler. Few bowlers rely so heavily on deception—and succeed so consistently.
A Career Now Crossing Politics
More Than Just Cricket
From dusty village streets near the India-Bangladesh border to the biggest stages in world cricket, Mustafizur Rahman’s rise has been remarkable. Today, his journey intersects with politics, reminding us that a sportsperson’s fate is sometimes shaped by forces beyond the field.
