In a historic first for top-tier Twenty20 cricket, the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) witnessed a rare and remarkable moment: father and son, Mohammad Nabi and Hasan Işakhil, sharing the crease in the same match. This unprecedented occurrence not only captured cricketing headlines but also showcased Işakhil’s emerging talent, as he played a match-winning innings that firmly announced his arrival on the franchise stage.
On Sunday, 11 January, playing for Noakhali Express against Dhaka Capitals, Işakhil scored a commanding 92 runs, marking his maiden appearance in an overseas franchise league. The 20th player of Noakhali Express turned the match in their favour with his composed and confident batting. Following the game, Işakhil attended the post-match press conference, where he candidly addressed the inevitable comparisons with his father.
“I do not imitate my father, even though he is my idol,” Işakhil stated. “Friends often say I am copying him, but it comes naturally. Our bond is more like friends—we share everything about cricket.”
Observers, however, could not help but notice striking similarities. Işakhil grips the bat low, mirroring Nabi, and his stance is fluid and relaxed. His penchant for pre-emptive shots, playing before the ball reaches full bounce, was evident. While he opened his innings with square cuts and flick shots, one well-timed pull shot unmistakably reflected Nabi’s influence.
Despite his father’s all-rounder legacy, Işakhil prefers to specialise in batting. “I don’t enjoy bowling much; my focus is batting. I can bat for two to two-and-a-half hours straight. We are making beautiful memories in the BPL. At home, we help each other with practice—it’s a shared journey,” he explained.
Işakhil also revealed his dream of playing alongside his father at the national level. “I’ve never spoken to the media like this before. I was focused entirely on cricket and my career. Yes, my dream is to play for the national team with my father. That’s why I am working hard and trying to perform well in domestic cricket.”
Match Summary: Noakhali Express vs Dhaka Capitals
| Player | Team | Runs Scored | Balls Faced | Notable Shots |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hasan Işakhil | Noakhali Express | 92 | 65 | Square cut, Flick, Pull |
| Mohammad Nabi | Noakhali Express | 35 | 28 | Classic drive |
| Top Performer | Dhaka Capitals | 47 | 30 | Pull shot |
| Result | Noakhali Express | Won | – | – |
The father-son pairing has now etched their names into cricket history, not only as a novelty but as a testament to talent, dedication, and the enduring legacy of cricketing lineage.