Bangladesh’s versatile all-rounder, Nasir Hossain, has marked his return to the cricketing arena after a two-year hiatus enforced by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The ban stemmed from violations of the Emirates Cricket Board’s anti-corruption code during the 2020-21 Abu Dhabi T10 league, where Hossain was associated with the Pune Devils franchise.
Hossain’s much-anticipated comeback was realized in a Dhaka Premier Division League match, representing the Rupganj Tigers Cricket Club against Gazi Group Cricketers. The match took place at the iconic Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, a venue that has witnessed many of Hossain’s past glories.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officially confirmed Hossain’s eligibility to resume playing, stating that he had fulfilled all the stipulations of his sanction. This included the completion of a mandatory anti-corruption education session, a requirement that paved the way for his return to official cricket as of April 7, 2025. ‘As per the terms of the sanction, Nasir Hossain has now fulfilled all requirements, including completing the mandatory anti-corruption education session. This has enabled his eligibility to re-enter official cricket as of April 7, 2025,’ the BCB announced.
Throughout his international career from 2011 to 2018, Hossain represented Bangladesh in 19 Test matches, 65 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 31 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). His ban, which was imposed in September 2023, followed his conviction on three charges related to his involvement with the Pune Devils. These charges included failing to disclose the receipt of a gift valued over 750 US dollars (a new iPhone 12), not reporting an approach to engage in corrupt conduct via the iPhone, and not cooperating with the anti-corruption official’s investigation. Notably, six months of his two-year ban were suspended.