What Nabi Putra Isakhil said, following his father’s ideals

In a historic moment for cricket, the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) witnessed a rare father-son pairing at the crease. For the first time in a top-tier T20 franchise league, Mohammad Nabi and his son, Hasan Ishaqeel, batted together, creating a memorable chapter in the sport’s history. On that special occasion, Ishaqeel made a remarkable statement with his performance, playing a match-winning innings that showcased his own identity on the field.

On Sunday, 11 January, representing Noakhali Express against Dhaka Capitals, Ishaqeel scored a brilliant 92 runs, marking his debut in an overseas franchise league match. As the 20th player in Noakhali’s squad, he helped the team secure a notable victory. Following the match, Ishaqeel attended the press conference and candidly addressed comparisons with his father, emphasising that while Mohammad Nabi is his idol, he does not simply imitate him.

Observant fans could notice subtle similarities between father and son. Ishaqeel grips the bat lower down the handle, reminiscent of Nabi, and his stance at the crease appears fluid and confident. His preference for playing shots even before the ball fully bounces, along with his early use of square cuts and flicks, mirrors his father’s style. Notably, one of his elegant pull shots particularly evokes Nabi’s signature batting. When asked about modelling his game on his father, Ishaqeel responded simply, “My father is my idol.”

He added, “I haven’t watched my batting to copy anyone. My friends say I imitate my father, but it’s natural—it comes from our bond. We share everything about cricket like friends.”

Despite Nabi’s reputation as an all-rounder, Ishaqeel clarified why he focuses solely on batting: “I don’t enjoy bowling much. My concentration is on batting. I can bat for two to two-and-a-half hours. We are creating wonderful memories in the BPL. My father supports me in practice at home, and I assist him too.”

On his dream of representing the national team alongside his father, Ishaqeel shared, “I’ve never done a press conference like this before. I’ve been focused on cricket and my career. Yes, it is my dream to play with my father at the national level. I am working hard and performing well in domestic cricket to make it happen.”

Match Summary: Noakhali Express vs Dhaka Capitals

This remarkable pairing not only delighted cricket fans but also highlighted the blending of experience and youthful energy, setting a precedent for future generations.