On This Day, the Cricket Team Called Bangladesh Was Born

Bangladesh earned its place on the world map through independence on December 16, 1971. Alongside the red and green flag, the country’s sporting identity also began to take shape gradually. One of the most historic milestones in that journey was written exactly 49 years ago today, on January 7, 1977.

On this day, under the captaincy of the late Shamim Kabir, the Bangladesh cricket team played a three-day match against the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) at the Dhaka Stadium. This was the first match played by Bangladesh after independence and the first time Bangladeshi cricketers took the field under the name “Bangladesh” against an international side.

At the time, newspapers described the contest as an “unofficial Test match.” The historic occasion drew massive public attention, as the 40,000-capacity Dhaka Stadium (now the National Stadium) turned into a sea of spectators.

After winning the toss, Bangladesh batted first and scored 266 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Yusuf Rahman Babu top-scored with 78, while A.S.M. Faruque contributed 35. Captain Shamim Kabir added 30, and Rumi scored 28.

In reply, MCC were bowled out for 347 runs. Bangladesh then managed 152 runs for six wickets in their second innings. Due to time constraints, the match eventually ended in a draw.

This match was far more than just a game of cricket. It served as a crucial assessment of Bangladesh’s cricketing potential on the international stage. The overwhelming spectator interest and competitive on-field performance played a significant role in paving the way for Bangladesh’s recognition as an ICC Associate Member. Based on MCC’s post-tour report, Bangladesh was granted ICC associate membership in June 1977, opening the doors to international cricket.

Although modern cricket is now played in three formats, Shamim Kabir remains recognized as the first captain in Bangladesh’s cricket history. While Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu (ODIs), Naimur Rahman Durjoy (Tests), and Shahriar Nafees (T20Is) later became the first captains in their respective formats, it was Shamim Kabir who led the nation at the very beginning of its cricketing journey.

In 2017, the Bangladesh Cricket Supporters Association (BCSA) honored the players who represented Bangladesh in that historic match against MCC.

The cricketers who featured in Bangladesh’s first-ever match were: Shamim Kabir (captain), Rakibul Hasan (vice-captain), Shafiqul Haque Heera, Mainul Haque, Omar Khaled, A.S.M. Faruque, Syed Ashraful Haque, Yusuf Rahman Babu, Daulatuzzaman, Dipu Roy Chowdhury, and Khondker Nazrul Qader Lintu.