Shoriful Islam

Shoriful Islam is a tall and aggressive left-arm fast bowler who made a name for himself in the 2020 Under-19 World Cup. Bangladesh won the Under-19 World Cup, and Islam became an overnight sensation. He scalped nine wickets in the entire tournament, and his performance in a nerve-wrecking final against India stood out the most, picking up two crucial wickets at an economy of just over 3.

Shoriful was spotted at a very young age by the bowling coach of the Clemon Rajshahi Cricket Academy. Impressed by his pace and accurate line and length, the bowling coach took Islam under his wings, and by mid-2018, he was playing first-class cricket for Rajshahi. In the same year, Islam made his List-A debut for Prime Bank Cricket Club, taking two wickets and rattling the opposition top order with some serious pace.

Shoriful Islam was drafted into the Under-19 setup and was part of the squad for the 2020 Under-19 World Cup. He took the tournament by storm and caught the eyes of the national selectors, who started to monitor his progress. 

Shoriful was one of the three uncapped players in Bangladesh’s preliminary ODI squad to face the West Indies in 2020. However, he did not make it to the final team. He finally made it to the final 15-member squad for the tour to New Zealand.

On March 28, 2021, Shoriful Islam made his T20I debut for Bangladesh against New Zealand in Hamilton. In this match, New Zealand posted a formidable total of 210/3. Shoriful bowled his full quota of 4 overs but had a challenging outing, conceding 50 runs without taking a wicket, resulting in an economy rate of 12.50.

Shoriful earned his Test cap on April 29, 2021, against Sri Lanka in Pallekele. In his debut match, Sri Lanka amassed 493/7 declared in their first innings. Shoriful bowled 29 overs, conceding 91 runs and securing his maiden Test wicket by dismissing the Sri Lankan captain, Dimuth Karunaratne, who had scored 118. Despite his efforts, Bangladesh faced a 209-run defeat in the match.

Shoriful's ODI debut came on May 25, 2021, against Sri Lanka in Mirpur, taking a solitary wicket and helping Bangladesh win the match by 97 runs on the DLS method.

In January 2022, Shoriful Islam was part of the Bangladesh squad that achieved a historic eight-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first Test at Mount Maunganui. In this match, Shoriful bowled a total of 30 overs, conceding 69 runs and taking 3 wickets in the first innings. His disciplined bowling played a crucial role in restricting New Zealand to 328 runs, setting the foundation for Bangladesh's success.

Initially omitted from Bangladesh's squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022, Shoriful was later added as a replacement in October 2022. His inclusion was a testament to his consistent performances and the value he brought to the team's bowling attack during the year.

In September 2023, during the ACC Asia Cup, Shoriful showcased his T20 prowess in a match against Afghanistan. He delivered a crucial spell of 3 for 21, which played a significant role in Bangladesh's victory.

Representing Bangladesh in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 held in India, Shoriful had notable performances, particularly against England in Dharamsala. Despite Bangladesh facing a formidable total set by England, Shoriful managed to claim 3 wickets, including the prized scalp of Joe. Shoriful's efforts of 3 for 75 were commendable, even though Bangladesh succumbed to a 137-run defeat.

In February 2024, the Bangladesh Cricket Board awarded Shoriful a central contract for all formats, recognising his progress on the international stage.

Shoriful Islam has been a key player for the Chattogram Challengers, showcasing his bowling prowess in multiple BPL seasons. His ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs has significantly bolstered the team's bowling attack. Notably, in the 2021/22 BPL season, Shoriful participated in several matches for the Challengers, contributing to their campaign with consistent performances.

(As of March 2025)