The Star of Two Leagues in Sylhet: Aminul Islam Bulbul’s Football Chapter

In the history of Bangladesh cricket, Aminul Islam Bulbul is a legendary name. The country’s first Test centurion, captain at the 1999 World Cup, and a figure celebrated worldwide for his contributions to cricket. But was cricket the only starting point of his sporting journey? Many may not know that alongside cricket, Bulbul was equally skilled in football.

Playing for Sylhet Mohammedan Sporting Club, Bulbul featured not only in Sylhet’s cricket league but also in its football league. In the early 1990s, he regularly represented the Sylhet district cricket team, including the years 1991, 1992, and 1995. In fact, in a memorable final in 1995, his century guided Sylhet to the championship. Recalling that moment, Sylhet Divisional Umpires’ Association president Md. Ashraf Hossain Arman said, “If Bulbul bhai hadn’t scored that century in the final, Sylhet could never have won.”

But the identity of “footballer Bulbul” has largely remained hidden. Even the author of a book on Sylhet’s football history was unaware of his footballing chapter.

One unforgettable moment came when Bulbul was gifted the book “Sylheter Football” by its writer, Manna Chowdhury. Surprised, Bulbul asked with a smile, “Is my name in here?”

Manna, puzzled, replied, “Your name would be in Sylhet’s cricket history, not in the book on football.”

That’s when Bulbul, with his characteristic humility, revealed his hidden chapter: “I played in Sylhet’s football league as well as the cricket league.”

This short exchange brought to light a forgotten part of his life – the passion of an international cricketer for local football, which never turned into a national career but remained just as intense in his heart.

In Sylhet’s cricket and football leagues, Bulbul became the “homegrown boy,” winning admiration in both arenas. His sporting identity soon extended beyond the leagues as he established himself as a star for the Sylhet district cricket team. Reflecting on those days, Bulbul once said, “I played so much in Sylhet that people often thought I actually belonged here.”

His century in the 1995 final became part of Sylhet’s cricket folklore, as Arman fondly recalled, “Bulbul bhai didn’t just play cricket and football in Sylhet leagues, he also played for the district. That century in the final was what sealed the championship for Sylhet. Without it, victory wouldn’t have been possible.”

Arman, who was very close to Bulbul in the early 1990s, described their bond: “When Bulbul bhai came to play in Sylhet, I would spend a lot of time with him. We shared countless moments together, and he always treated me with great affection.”

Back then, before mobile phones, their connection was maintained through handwritten letters. Arman still remembers Bulbul’s old Dhaka address by heart: “59, S.S. Road, Gendaria, Dhaka-1204.”

For Bulbul, Sylhet was like a second home. His bond with the city remains so deep that he still visits Sylhet District Stadium whenever possible. Recently, during his official duties with the Bangladesh Cricket Board, he revisited the stadium and walked around its indoor facilities, gymnasium, and lush green outfield – places once filled with his cricketing strokes and footballing dreams of becoming a “Maradona.”

After inspecting the stadium, Bulbul told the media: “Although I came here on an official visit today, my connection with this ground goes way back. I’ve played Under-19 Asia Cup here and countless domestic matches.”

It was here, at this stadium, that Bulbul first announced his candidacy for the upcoming BCB elections. At the same time, he called for the revival of Sylhet’s once-glorious league: “To produce quality players, competitive leagues are essential. We must bring back the golden days of Sylhet’s leagues.”

Speaking about stadium modernization, Bulbul noted: “Since this stadium is used for both cricket and football, we don’t expect it to be like a dedicated international cricket venue. But when cricket is played, the facilities must be made as cricket-friendly as possible – especially the central wickets, practice pitches, and outfield.”

He further added: “Many stadiums worldwide are now multipurpose. In England and Australia, they use advanced technology to prepare grounds. We should also try to implement such solutions.”

Given that Sylhet is the rainiest region of the country, cricket preparations often get disrupted. Stressing the need for year-round cricket to enhance players’ skills, Bulbul said: “To improve cricketers’ skills, matches must go on throughout the year. Though I’ve been at the BCB for only three months, I’ve realized we must take these issues seriously and resolve them quickly.”

Aminul Islam Bulbul is not just Bangladesh’s first Test centurion – he was, and remains, a complete sportsman. Once a soldier of two games on the field, today he continues to fight for the betterment of the sport off the field. His forgotten football chapter not only surprises us but also inspires – showing how a true athlete carries the love of the game across every boundary, for a lifetime.