Jaker Ali

Jaker Ali Anik is a specialized wicketkeeper batter for the Bangladesh cricket team. Born on February 22, 1998, Jaker’s cricketing journey began on the streets of Sylhet.

He initially joined a local academy to hone his skills, before getting named in Bangladesh's Under-19 squad for the 2016 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup.

The exposure helped him learn his game. Soon after the U19 World Cup, he made his first-class debut for Sylhet Division in the National Cricket League.

In his first appearance in first-class cricket, he scored 88 runs in the first innings, where he showcased a tremendous technique. 

Gradually, he was on the list of the scouts of Bangladesh Premier League, and he was added to Sylhet Sixers Squad for the 2018–19 season.

His consistent performances led to subsequent stints with teams like Dhaka Platoon, Minister Group Rajshahi, Khulna Tigers, and Comilla Victorians in the BPL. 

Soon after his domestic success wave, he earned his maiden T20I call-up in March 2023 for the series against Ireland. Although he earned his maiden cap during the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou.

Jaker was also added to Bangladesh's squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, marking his first ICC tournament with the senior team.

Later the same year, he wore his first Test Cap against South Africa at Mirpur, scoring his maiden fifty in that match.

Sooner than later, he proved his ability to adapt to different conditions and formats. He played his first ODI game in November 2024 against Afghanistan in Sharjah. On debut, he played an unbeaten knock of 37 runs with a strike rate of 137.03, helping the team to clinch a victory.

On his Champions Trophy debut, Jaker played one of his finest knocks versus India in the match against India at the Dubai International Stadium. While batting at number seven, he partnered with Towhid Hridoy to orchestrate a remarkable recovery from 35/5, and scored a spellbinding 68.

The duo amassed a 154-run partnership, setting a new record for the highest sixth-wicket stand in Champions Trophy history, surpassing the previous record of 131 runs.

In the subsequent match, he played a very sensible innings of 45 runs against New Zealand. 

So far in his international career, Jaker Ali has shown that he is in for a long haul. However, he needs to be polished well by his seniors and the team management.

(As of March 2025)