For a generation of cricket fans in Bangladesh in the 1990s, Hasibul Hossain was the only fast-bowling hope. However Hasibul, a firebrand figure in Bangladesh cricket, was erratic in various aspects of his bowling: he had a front-on action but had problems landing his feet properly on the crease, while his follow-through was also inconsistent. As a result, he was only successful for a short period, never making good on the promise after famously removing Roshan Mahanama in his first over on debut in 1995.

He took 11 wickets in Bangladesh's last and most successful ICC Trophy campaign in 1997, though his greatest moment would be taking the winning leg-bye in the final against Kenya. He was persisted with during the 1999 World Cup, taking three wickets in four games.

But less than a year later in March 2000, he was smashed in the knee by Pakistani batsman Zahoor Elahi during a club game in Dhaka. It seemed inadvertent at the time, though a mass brawl broke out in the stadium between the Abahani and Kalabagan supporters. 'Shanto' was never the same bowler again after recovery, serving up a terrible performance against England in the 2000 Champions Trophy. He labored in long spells in the five Tests he played, never getting more than two wickets in an innings. After playing what was thought to be his last game in September 2003, Hasibul was called up out of the blue to face India in an ODI in 2004, and got battered by Virender Sehwag in return.

Son of an army officer and raised in cantonments in Dhaka, he actually made his entry into competitive cricket by playing in the weekend competition in the capital city for retired cricketers. He was soon snapped up by Mohammedan Sporting Club, for whom he played for a long time before club-hopping in the latter part of his career.

He continued to play first-class and club cricket, before quietly retiring to concentrate on his business.
Mohammad Isam