Amit Hasan: From First-Class Stalwart to National Selection

The Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur is a constant hive of activity, with players frequently moving between the academy building and the nets under the persistent gaze of media lenses. In an era dominated by social media content and instant celebrity, most movements at the stadium are documented. However, Amit Hasan has long been an exception to this trend, often arriving and departing in relative anonymity. That obscurity has ended with his maiden call-up to the Bangladesh National Test squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan.

A Journey Rooted in Red-Ball Excellence

Originally from Narayanganj, Hasan’s cricketing trajectory shifted significantly when he moved to the Sylhet Division under the mentorship of former national captain Rajin Saleh. In a modern cricketing landscape where the shorter formats often overshadow the National Cricket League (NCL) and the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL), Hasan remained focused on the longer version of the game.

His statistics in first-class cricket eventually made his inclusion in the national side undeniable. Since his debut in 2019, he has amassed a formidable record that served as a silent testimonial to his readiness for the international stage.

Consistency and National Recognition

Amit Hasan’s path to the national team has been one of persistence. Despite lacking a high profile in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) or the Dhaka Premier League (DPL), his domestic red-ball numbers are elite. He is one of only two cricketers in the last decade to score over 700 runs in a single NCL season. His penchant for big scores is evidenced by his two double centuries, including an extraordinary match where he followed a double ton with a century in the second innings.

National selector Habibull Bashar confirmed the call-up following Hasan’s recent match-winning 162 for East Zone in the BCL. Reflecting on the news, Hasan maintained a grounded perspective: “Like every player, it was my dream to play for the national team. It feels very good to be called up.”

Mentorship and Philosophy

Hasan’s technical foundation and temperament have been shaped by his admiration for legendary figures. As a child, he watched Rahul Dravid, but his primary inspiration is his domestic teammate, Mushfiqur Rahim. Having played alongside Rahim for Sylhet and East Zone, Hasan has sought to emulate Rahim’s discipline and professional lifestyle. Like Rahim, Hasan also performs wicketkeeping duties.

Despite the seven-year wait since his first-class debut, Hasan expressed no frustration regarding the timing of his selection. He noted that he has been part of the High Performance (HP) unit and the ‘A’ team for several years, trusting the selectors’ judgement on his readiness.

Looking Ahead

At 24 years of age, Hasan enters the international arena with a wealth of domestic experience. He remains focused on the present rather than long-term projections, stating, “I don’t think that far ahead; I prefer to stay in the present.” As he prepares for the rigours of Test cricket, his primary request to his supporters is for steadfastness: “There will be ups and downs in life. I want everyone to be by my side during my difficult times.” Having successfully navigated the arduous road from domestic obscurity to the national squad, Hasan now faces the challenge of translating his first-class success to the highest level of the game.