Gazi Ashraf

Bangladesh’s first ever captain in ODI cricket, Gazi Ashraf’s international career lasted just seven games with nothing impressive to write home about. However, his contribution in getting Bangladesh to ODI status was laudable. Not only did he captain the side brilliantly but also contributed as a frontline batsman with several crucial knocks in pressure games. Gazi was a proven leader from his domestic days, having led with distinction in Club and University cricket. His leadership and man-management skills were terrific, resulting in Bangladesh gaining several classy performers during the 1980s. It was also during Gazi’s stint that his nation made rapid strides in terms of work ethics and the results also started to come, thereby increasing the popularity of the sport in the country. Post-retirement, he took to administration and continued to play a key role in Bangladesh cricket.

Written by Hariprasad Sadanandan