Naeem an ‘inspiration’ for future stars

Naeem Islam became just the second cricketer from the country to reach the milestone of 10,000 runs in Bangladesh's first-class cricket during the first round's matches of the ongoing 25th edition of the National Cricket League (NCL). The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) yesterday awarded a crest to Naeem ahead of Dhaka Metro's second round match against NCL's defending champions Rangpur Division at Mirpur.

Naeem follows in the footsteps of Tushar Imran, who holds the record for most runs in Banlgadesh's first-class cricket with over 11,972 runs. The 36-year-old Naeem attained the feat during Dhaka Metro's second innings against Sylhet Division on October 14 during an unbeaten 44-run knock.

Naeem now has 10,039 first-class runs. He has struck 31 tons at an average of 42.35. Naeem has also appeared in eight Tests for the Tigers, scoring 416 runs in eight matches that includes a career-best 108 against the West Indies at Mirpur in 2012.

Naeem was handed the crest by selector Habibul Bashar and match referee Md Ehsanul Hoque yesterday.

Bashar believes that players like Naeem have a lot to offer in terms of showing the ropes to future Bangladesh stars.

"Well scoring 10,000 runs is very difficult and he has been playing for a very long time. In the last three-four years, he has been batting very well. When such players play, it ensures good standards in first-class cricket. At the same time, new players can learn a lot from his batting. Not only about scoring runs, but our future players, who are now playing longer-version first-class cricket, will be inspired by his batting and can learn how to play longer-version cricket," Bashar told The Daily Star.