Minhajul Abedin Nannu is a name familiar to every cricket fan in Bangladesh. He served as a selector of the men’s national team for 13 years, from 2011 to early 2024. From 2016 onwards, he held the role of chief selector. Throughout his long tenure, he was both celebrated and criticised. However, one thing is certain: for the current generation of fans, his identity as a selector has largely overshadowed his image as a batter.
Minhajul was one of the finest first-class batters of his time. Veteran Bangladeshi sports journalist Utpal Shuvro once wrote, “The best Test batter of Bangladesh never played Tests,” referring to Minhajul.
During his playing career, he moved back and forth several times between Abahani Limited and Mohammedan Sporting Club, two fierce rivals in domestic cricket. On one occasion, a national daily reported that Abahani had signed Minhajul after receiving his confirmation. On the very same day the news was published, he officially signed for Mohammedan, after the club convinced him to change his decision. Such was the demand for his signature. At the time, he averaged an impressive 51.78 in first-class cricket.
Minhajul Abedin Nannu was present at the Mohammedan Sporting Club premises during the Mourning and Prayer (Milad) ceremony for former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the late Khaleda Zia.
Speaking to the Daily Times of Bangladesh, Minhajul Abedin Nannu reflected on the current situation of Bangladesh cricket. He also shared his views on Mustafizur Rahman and the ongoing controversy surrounding the left-arm pacer’s unexpected exclusion from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad ahead of IPL 2026, reportedly following directions from the BCCI.
You were with the national team as a selector for a long time. What differences do you see between then and now, either in the team or within the cricket board?
I was not a director, but I served as the chairman of the selection panel. My responsibility was to focus strictly on on-field matters and nothing beyond that. At present, international matches are being played, but many domestic leagues are not held regularly. I believe the system is functioning, but it can be organised much better, especially across Bangladesh.
Are you referring to the decentralisation of Bangladesh cricket?
Yes, that is extremely important now. We need to establish High Performance units in other divisions. Otherwise, it will become difficult to produce quality players through our pipeline. I believe this is the right time to do it. If we fail to act now, it may never be possible.
Some of your close ones and former team-mates are part of the current cricket board. Do you stay in touch and discuss these matters with them?
Yes, we do, regularly. We maintain a social media group of players from our time, and our discussions never stop. Cricket is always the central topic.
Regarding Mustafizur Rahman, how do you view the steps taken by the government and the Bangladesh Cricket Board?
I fully support them, because safety must come first. Without proper security, players cannot play freely or perform at their best. The decision not to send the team to India for the T20 World Cup is a proper one.
As a former player, how much do you think these issues can affect the players mentally?
I do not think it will have a negative mental impact on them. However, if they are forced to play in India under such circumstances, that could affect them. Playing at a neutral venue should not create any problem.
What about Bangladeshi umpires and match officials? Should the BCB ensure they officiate only in Sri Lanka as well?
Given the current situation, anyone travelling from our country to India could face security risks. Until things return to normal, decisions should follow the direction taken by the government and the board.
Although most cricket fans of this generation know you as a selector, some still remember and admire you as a batter. Do you know that?
That is nice to know. Thank you.
After a long association with the Bangladesh team, Minhajul Abedin Nannu is no longer part of the setup. He remains in touch with some of the people now running the board and continues to follow the game closely. These days, he watches from the outside, sharing his thoughts only in conversations, as Bangladesh cricket moves forward.
