Mohammad Shuaib Alam (Srijon) has created history by becoming the first Bangladeshi cricketer to be selected for the Cambodia national team. He has been named in Cambodia’s 14-member squad for the upcoming tour of Indonesia.
Shuaib grew up in Narayanganj and played district-level cricket during his time in Bangladesh. His journey abroad began with a stint in Myanmar’s domestic league in the 2015–16 season. Later, professional commitments took him to Cambodia, where he continued to pursue cricket alongside his job, using holidays and spare time to remain involved in the game.
Cricket, he has often explained, has always been more than just a pastime for him. Despite the sport not being widely popular in Cambodia, he stayed committed, taking part in night cricket, indoor cricket and local competitions. While others relaxed during their days off, he focused on training and match play, believing sustained effort would eventually be rewarded.
Over time, his dedication did not go unnoticed. The Cambodia national team coach had been encouraging him to push for higher honours and to consider representing the country at international level. In response, Shuaib began taking hard-ball cricket more seriously over the past two years, knowing that national selection depended on consistent performances and commitment.
Away from the field, Shuaib completed both his B Pharm and M Pharm degrees at a private university in Dhaka. After finishing his studies, he moved abroad in search of better career opportunities and is currently working in Cambodia as a country manager at Mesqava Pharma.
Cambodia are set to play an eight-match T20 series against Indonesia in Bali from 23 to 28 December. Shuaib has already arranged leave from his workplace through the Cambodia Cricket Board. If all goes according to plan, he will soon take the field wearing Cambodia’s national colours, marking a significant milestone for both himself and Bangladeshi cricket abroad.
