Oldest Cricketer: Bangladesh cricket has evolved over the years with several generations of cricketers representing the country on the international stage. While the sport has always been associated with youth and energy, there have been a few older cricketers who have continued to defy age and played at the highest level. The oldest cricketer in Bangladesh history, both in terms of age and longevity in the sport, has captured the imagination of fans and left a lasting legacy.
Oldest Cricketer: This article delves into the careers of Bangladesh’s oldest cricketers, including current and former players, and highlights the achievements and longevity of these individuals. We will also take a look at the records held by these cricketers and the inspiration they provide to younger generations.
The Growing Influence Of Senior Players In Bangladesh Cricket
Oldest Cricketer: In the early years of Bangladesh’s cricketing history, the average age of players was relatively young. However, over the years, the presence of senior players who have continued to perform at an elite level has brought a new dimension to Bangladesh cricket. These cricketers have not only contributed with their skills but also shared their wealth of experience, which has been essential in guiding the younger players.
Oldest Cricketer: The need for senior cricketers has grown in recent years, with players like Mashrafe Mortaza, Shakib Al Hasan, and Mahmudullah continuing to play key roles for Bangladesh even into their 30s. While the cricketing landscape often focuses on young talents, it is the older players who have been pivotal in providing leadership, stability, and consistency to the team.
Who Is The Oldest Cricketer In Bangladesh?
Oldest Cricketer: As of 2025, the title of the oldest cricketer in Bangladesh history belongs to Safiur Rahman. He played international cricket for Bangladesh during the 1970s and has since become a symbol of longevity and passion for the sport.
Oldest Cricketer: However, if we look at cricketers who were active in international cricket in more recent years, Mohammad Ashraful and Mashrafe Mortaza come to mind as two of the oldest players who have been involved in Bangladesh’s cricketing success in the 21st century.
| Rank | Cricketer Name | Date of Birth | Age at Final International Appearance | International Debut | International Retirement Year | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Safiur Rahman | March 1, 1946 | 40 years old | 1973 | 1986 | Bangladesh’s first international cricketer, debuting in the 1970s, and played a key role in the early development of the national team. |
| 2 | Mashrafe Mortaza | October 5, 1983 | 36 years old | 2001 | 2020 | Led Bangladesh to their first major ICC tournament finals in the Asia Cup 2018; captained Bangladesh to the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup quarterfinals. |
| 3 | Shakib Al Hasan | March 24, 1987 | 38 years old | 2006 | Active | The highest-ranked all-rounder in the ICC rankings for several years, and arguably the best cricketer Bangladesh has ever produced. Led Bangladesh to ICC T20 World Cup semifinals (2014). |
| 4 | Mahmudullah Riyad | February 4, 1986 | 37 years old | 2007 | Active | Known for his consistency and key middle-order contributions; part of the team that reached the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup quarterfinals. |
| 5 | Mushfiqur Rahim | June 9, 1987 | 37 years old | 2005 | Active | The first-choice wicketkeeper for Bangladesh, known for his excellent batting skills and leadership in the past. Led Bangladesh to victory in the 2015 and 2019 ICC World Cup matches. |
| 6 | Mohammad Ashraful | July 7, 1984 | 31 years old | 2001 | 2018 | Bangladesh’s youngest-ever captain; made his name with a memorable century against Australia in 2005. |
Safiur Rahman: The Pioneer
Oldest Cricketer: Safiur Rahman is remembered as one of Bangladesh’s first international cricketers, representing the country in the early years when Bangladesh was still developing as a cricketing nation. Rahman made his debut in 1973 and played until 1986, which was a remarkable feat given the limited resources available for Bangladesh cricket at that time.
Oldest Cricketer: Rahman was crucial in putting Bangladesh on the global cricket map and was one of the key figures in the early years of the national team. He retired at the age of 40, which was considered quite advanced for a cricketer of that era. Rahman’s leadership and resilience helped lay the foundation for the national cricket team.
- Debut: 1973
- Retirement: 1986
- Age at Retirement: 40 years old
- Notable Achievements: Bangladesh’s first international cricketer, key in laying the foundation for Bangladesh’s cricketing structure.
Mashrafe Mortaza: The Inspirational Leader
Mashrafe Mortaza is arguably one of the most influential and beloved cricketers in Bangladesh’s history. After debuting in 2001, Mortaza served as captain for over a decade, leading Bangladesh through many challenges and achieving historical wins. He became a symbol of resilience and leadership for the country.
Mashrafe’s career was marred by injuries, particularly to his knees, yet he fought through these setbacks and continued to represent Bangladesh at the highest level until his retirement in 2020. Mashrafe’s leadership helped Bangladesh qualify for the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup quarterfinals and reach the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy semifinals. His contribution as a bowler and captain was pivotal for the team’s rise in international cricket.
- Debut: 2001
- Retirement: 2020
- Age at Retirement: 36 years old
- Notable Achievements: Led Bangladesh to major ICC tournament successes, including the 2015 Cricket World Cup and 2017 ICC Champions Trophy semifinals.
Shakib Al Hasan: Bangladesh’s Best All-Rounder
Shakib Al Hasan is the most decorated and arguably the most successful cricketer in Bangladesh’s history. Known for his all-round prowess, Shakib has been a dominant force in both ODI and T20I cricket. He made his debut in 2006 and is still actively playing for the national team, having established numerous records during his career.
Shakib has been the backbone of Bangladesh’s cricket team for over a decade, leading from the front with both bat and ball. His leadership in T20 cricket has also been significant, particularly during Bangladesh’s run to the semifinals of the 2014 ICC T20 World Cup. As of 2025, Shakib continues to represent Bangladesh in all formats, maintaining his place as one of the world’s top all-rounders.
- Debut: 2006
- Current Status: Active
- Notable Achievements: Ranked as one of the world’s top all-rounders, Shakib is one of the best players Bangladesh has ever produced, with numerous ICC awards to his name.
Mahmudullah Riyad: The Reliable Middle-Order Presence
Mahmudullah Riyad has been a reliable middle-order batsman for Bangladesh for over a decade. He debuted in 2007 and has been a crucial part of Bangladesh’s successes in ICC tournaments, especially in the 2015 and 2019 World Cups.
Known for his calm demeanor and ability to handle pressure, Mahmudullah has been an important figure in Bangladesh’s middle order. His leadership qualities were also recognized when he captained Bangladesh during various matches in the absence of regular captains.
- Debut: 2007
- Current Status: Active
- Notable Achievements: Instrumental in Bangladesh’s performances in ICC tournaments, particularly the 2015 and 2019 World Cups.
Mushfiqur Rahim: The Wicketkeeper And Stalwart
Mushfiqur Rahim is another senior player who has been a consistent performer for Bangladesh over the years. Known for his excellent wicketkeeping and batting ability, Rahim has been a key figure in Bangladesh cricket since his debut in 2005. He has captained the team at various points and is often praised for his adaptability and leadership.
- Debut: 2005
- Current Status: Active
- Notable Achievements: The first-choice wicketkeeper for Bangladesh and a crucial part of the team’s success in ICC tournaments.
Conclusion
The oldest cricketer in Bangladesh, in terms of international involvement, is Safiur Rahman, who was an essential figure during the formative years of the national team. However, when it comes to players who have been active in more recent years, Mashrafe Mortaza holds the distinction of one of the oldest and most influential cricketers in Bangladesh’s history, having continued to lead the team with great dedication.
Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim, and others like Mashrafe Mortaza and Mohammad Ashraful have shown that age is no barrier to success in international cricket. Their longevity, leadership, and performances have contributed immensely to the growth and success of Bangladesh cricket, and they continue to inspire future generations of cricketers in the country.