Shafors Shining Journey Beyond Neglect

Every year, when the National Cricket League (NCL) returns, domestic cricketers across Bangladesh take the field with renewed enthusiasm. Yet for Sylhet’s young pacer Shafor Ali, getting more than one match in a season has been a rare fortune. The reason is simple — Sylhet’s pace attack is one of the strongest in the country. With national stars like Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib, alongside seasoned campaigners Abu Jayed Rahi and Rejaur Rahman Raja, breaking into the lineup has been nearly impossible for the young quick.

Still, whenever he has been given a chance, Shafor has made sure to prove his worth. He made his first-class debut in the final match of the 2023 National Cricket League, and immediately showed his potential. Then came another long wait. A year later, in 2024, he got his second opportunity in first-class cricket — and made it count once again. Facing Rajshahi Division, Shafor lit up the match with a five-wicket haul, ending his long wait in style.

But just as his story seemed to be gathering momentum, it abruptly paused. After the first-class season, when the NCL T20 began, Sylhet did not include him in their squad. Ironically, the team’s bowling performance turned out to be disappointing. In the inaugural NCL T20 edition, Sylhet’s bowlers struggled badly — neither batters nor bowlers could shine. Despite taking 10 wickets in five matches, Ebadot didn’t make the top five wicket-takers’ list, and Khaled, who played two more matches, also managed only ten wickets.

The next year, in another NCL T20 season, Sylhet’s bowling fared even worse. Ebadot took only five wickets in five matches, and Raja managed three. None of Sylhet’s main bowlers had an economy rate below eight. Yet even with these poor numbers, there was still no place for Shafor. The pacer who had taken five wickets in an innings in his last first-class match was ignored once again.

However, fate had other plans. While Sylhet’s doors remained closed, a new opportunity opened in Khulna Division. And in his very first match there, he made a statement. Against Chattogram Division, Shafor claimed five wickets for 55 runs in 19 overs. Among his dismissals were national players Parvez Hossain Emon, Shahadat Hossain Dipu, and Nayeem Hasan. In Khulna’s colors, the young Sylheti reintroduced himself to Bangladesh cricket.

Grateful yet humble, Shafor reflected on his performance, saying:

“Alhamdulillah, it feels really good. I always try to give my best performance. No matter which team I play for, Alhamdulillah for everything.”

While he does feel a tinge of regret for missing out on the NCL T20 with Sylhet, Shafor remains philosophical about it:

“I really wanted to play the T20s this time. But Allah didn’t keep it in my destiny. I have no regrets — whatever Allah does, He does for the best. He is the best of planners.”

Since his debut in 2023, Shafor has played only three first-class matches. When asked whether that limited number frustrates him, he admitted,

“Sometimes it feels bad. But in Sylhet, national team players often return and play, so I don’t get many chances. Inshallah, something better will come ahead.”

In the ongoing NCL season, Khulna and Sylhet may soon face each other. If all goes well, Shafor might play against his former side. Asked how that would feel, he smiled and said,

“Inshallah, it will go well. Whenever I play, I try to do my best.”

Having made an explosive start for Khulna, Shafor now aims higher:

“For now, my goal is to finish the National Cricket League strongly. Then comes the BPL — I hope to play there, Inshallah.”

Shafor Ali’s story is one of patience, confidence, and faith — a reflection of a young cricketer’s perseverance against odds. Amid a crowd of national stars, he continues to seize every opportunity to prove himself. Once overlooked in Sylhet, he has now shown in Khulna that even when chances are rare, his dreams remain alive and bright.