In this exclusive Q&A, former U-19 World Cup-winning cricketer Prantik Nowrose Nabil talks to The Times of Bangladesh about his transition from professional cricket to becoming Head of Operations at CA Sports Bangladesh. He reflects on his journey, the role of Tamim Iqbal in his comeback, and his vision to make cricket gear more accessible to the next generation.
How are you? How has life been since you took over as an Head of Operations of CA Sports Bangladesh?
Alhamdulillah, I’ve been very well. It has been a very meaningful and refreshing chapter of my life. Since stepping away from professional cricket, I have been quietly working with CA Sports Bangladesh. And honestly, this second innings has given me a whole new perspective on the game. The transition from athlete to Head of operations has been both challenging and rewarding. I’m learning every day – not just about cricket, but about leadership, business and how to contribute to the game in a way that goes beyond playing. The love I have received after the video has been overwhelming, and it reminds me why I chose to come back in cricket, even if it’s in a different role. Now with CA, the focus is bigger than me. We’re trying to build something meaningful. From products to player development to helping the next generation understand not just how to play cricket, but how to think cricket. That’s what excites me every day and I hope we can bring a lot of change in the market in order to help the people get the best authentic products at a price that they can afford In Shaa Allah.
You actually answered a lot of questions in that video itself, so that actually made a lot of people know about your new role. So who came up with the idea of creating such a beautiful video? Why did you and the people involved think that it would be a good initiative?
Honestly, the idea was born out of a very simple conversation between me and my close circle, the people I trust both professionally and personally. We were reflecting on my journey, how my retirement was sudden, how people still asked me why I had disappeared, and how very few knew what I was working on behind the scenes. So, from there, the thought naturally came – why not tell the full story properly in a way that inspires others too? Not just as a press release or a caption, but as something more heartfelt and cinematic. Morshed Saifi and Towsif Ahmed Jeetu, both incredibly talented creators understood the vision perfectly to be honest. Together we shaped this documentary not just as a career update, but as a story of hope, resilience and the idea that life offers us more than one innings. We believe it was necessary because people in Bangladesh often only see the rise and fall moments, but there’s very little conversation about reinvention, second chances and finding purpose again. Through this, I wanted to show that you can step away from the field, but still still impact the game, maybe in a bigger, more impactful way. And Alhamdulillah, the response has shown that people were really waiting for this kind of story.
We came to know about Tamim Iqbal‘s role behind your appointment as the Head of Op. Why do you think he approached you? And what exactly did he say? And how did you feel at that moment?
Great question. I think Tamim bhai approached me because he has known me beyond my cricketing abilities. Even during my playing days, I was someone who tried to understand the game deeply, not just from the skill side, but from the perspective of planning, thinking structures and systems. I have always had a mindset that leads towards management operations and ambition. I guess he saw that side of me long before myself. It was a very simple phone call, but one I’ll never forget. He said, “Nabil, we need someone who understands cricket from the inside, who can think ahead for the next generation.” He didn’t try to convince me, he just showed belief in me. And honestly, when someone like Tamim bhai trusts you with something this meaningful, it gives you a different kind of responsibility. It wasn’t just about joining CA, it was about contributing to something bigger than myself. And how did I feel? It was a mix of gratitude, excitement, and a huge sense of responsibility. I feel it wasn’t just a job offer, it was the beginning of my second innings in cricket, this time, not as a player, but as someone helping to shape the future from a different angle.
Before this phone call, did you think you’d be professionally in touch with cricket again?
To be honest, no. I didn’t think I’d be professionally involved with cricket again. After my health forced me to step away from the game, I needed time to heal, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. I thought my journey with cricket ended, and I had quietly accepted the reality. During that period, I tried to focus on growing as a person, working on myself and trying to figure out how to contribute to the world in new ways. I disconnected myself from anything that was related to cricket to be honest. But when Tamim bhai called me, it felt almost surreal. It reminded me that sometimes life brings you back to your passion in a way that you never expected. It taught me that cricket isn’t something I played but something that lives within me. Now, through CA Sports Bangladesh, I found a new way to serve the game, something I’ll always be grateful for.
Do you think a modern health center is necessary in cricket clubs, in BKSP, in the BCB etc.? Do you think an early diagnosis of your health problems would have made a difference or made things better for you?
Absolutely. I strongly believe that a modern, well-structured health center is not just necessary, it’s essential in any serious cricketing environment today. Whether it’s in clubs, the BKSP or within the BCB itself. The game has evolved and the mental and physical demands of the players have grown massively. Our support systems need to evolve with it as well. In my case, yeah, I believe that an earlier diagnosis or an earlier awareness would have made a difference. It might not have changed the eventual outcome, but it certainly could have managed to help me prepare better, or manage it better, and possibly prolong my career in a healthier way. More importantly, it would have given me peace of mind during a time when I felt a lot of confusion and uncertainty. But this is beyond me, this isn’t just about one player’s story. It’s about protecting the future generation. If young players today have access to proper medical, psychological and nutritional care with facilities of early detection and regular monitoring, we’ll see fewer careers cut short, and we’ll see better athletes overall. If Bangladesh wants to compete at the highest level, our infrastructure has to reflect on the standards of modern cricket. Talent alone is no longer enough. Health is not a luxury in sports, it’s a part of performance. And we must not neglect it.
When people go through tough times, people face many harsh realities. They see the side of many close ones once they wouldn’t have known. In your case, did something similar happen?
I think this is something almost everyone goes through at some point in life. Tough times have a way of revealing the truth about people who stand beside you quietly and who slowly step away. I have experienced that too. But I don’t carry any bitterness about it. In fact, I’m grateful for it. Those moments showed me who truly understood me, who genuinely cared and believed in me beyond my role as a cricketer. Sometimes you need to go through difficult chapters to realise who is there for you as a person, not for your position or fame or what you can offer them. That experience made me stronger, wiser, and more grounded. It reminded me that life isn’t about how many people surround you during your success. It’s about who quietly checks on you when you feel invisible. Alhamdulillah, I’m blessed with a few people who stayed by my side, and honestly, that’s all I needed.
Now back to the present. How do you plan on keeping the cricket equipments’ price at a low range considering the market of Bangladesh? For example, quality bats are pretty expensive, and sometimes the price is too high to afford for someone from a middle class/lower middle class family in Bangladesh.
That’s a very important question, and honestly, that’s something I thought about deeply since joining CA Bangladesh. If we truly want to develop cricket in this country, it can’t remain a sport only for those who can afford high end equipment. Cricket belongs to everyone, not just the privileged. Our plan is very clear – balance, quality, with accessibility. Yes, top tier bats will always have a premium price because of the materials. craftsmanship and performance demands at the highest level, but that doesn’t mean quality equipment should be out of reach for the young players from a middle class or lower middle class family who dreams of making it big. At CA Bangladesh, we are working on introducing a wide range of products at different price points, all maintaining a minimum standard of quality, then collaborating with the manufacturers to cut unnecessary costs in distribution so that we can offer a more competitive price, then, creating school and academy level packages that are specifically tailored for young players who need good equipment but can’t afford the elite range. Also in the long run, we want to use our skill to influence the marketplace in Bangladesh more fairly. And look, before we came to this market, bat prices were insane. When I’m talking about the high-range bats and their prices being I, I don’t mean they will be insane when it comes to our high-end bats. Our high-end bats will be below hundred thousand taka, in the way we’re operating right now. So, the idea is not just to sell bats. The idea is to invest in the next generation of players by making sure equipment doesn’t become the reason a dream ends early. I’ve lived that struggle. I understand it from my experience, not just from a business perspective. And as long as I’m here, I will keep fighting for the cause, I will keep fighting for the players, I will keep fighting for the next generation of the Bangladesh cricketers.
What qualities do you look for in a cricket bat?
When it comes to cricket bats, I always believe it’s a combination of science, craftsmanship and personal feel. Every player has slightly different preferences, but there are a few core qualities I always look for. Number one, balance and pick-up. The bat should feel balanced in your hands. A bat might weigh 1180 grams on the scale but feel 1150 grams when you pick it up. That’s the art of proper balance. It shouldn’t feel heavy in the back lift, and the swing should feel natural. Then comes the middle and sweet spot depending on the conditions you play in, subcontinent vs abroad, and your style of play, like front foot vs back foot. The position of the sweet spot matters a lot. I prefer bats with a slightly mid to low sweet spot ideal for subcontinental pitches, where you need value for shots on slower surfaces. The next things that matter are ping and response, handle and grip feel, profile and aesthetics. While aesthetics don’t score you runs, they give a player confidence. But the most important things are longevity and craftsmanship. A well-made bat from a trusted willow should not just perform, but also last for a decent period if maintained properly.
Prantik Nabil may no longer be on the field, but he is still shaping the future of Bangladeshi cricket through vision, purpose and dedication.
