Named after Mashrafe, carving his own path

Inspired by Mashrafe Bin Mortaza’s brilliant four-wicket haul against India at the 2007 ICC World Cup, a baby from Paba upazila in Rajshahi was named after the celebrated fast bowler. Years later, that boy chose football over cricket. Cut to present: now a Grade 12 student, Masrafi Islam lit up the recently concluded Senior Division Football League by finishing as the top scorer. In an interview, the Mohakhali Ekadosh forward spoke to The Daily Star’s Anisur Rahman about his breakthrough season, ambitions and journey so far. Excerpts follow:

The Daily Star (DS): Mohakhali Ekadosh finished runners-up on goal difference, and you scored 18 of the team’s 42 goals. Does scoring come naturally to you?

Masrafi Islam (MI): I actually played only 13 of the 16 matches due to injury. I managed three hattricks -- against Arambagh Football Academy, T&T Club Motijheel and Nababpur Krira Chakra -- and scored in eight of the 13 matches I played. This season, it was a team effort. We had quality players and strong combinations, which made scoring easier for me.

You could say, scoring goals has always been a passion because I started football as a hobby. During matches, I try to imagine myself playing on my village ground, which helps me stay relaxed and makes scoring feel easier. 

DS: How did your football journey begin?

MI: My parents were initially against me playing football, but they changed their minds after I helped my school reach the district stage of the Bangabandhu Primary School Gold Cup from the upazila level, scoring six or seven goals and being named the best upazila footballer. Later, I joined Kishore Football Academy in Rajshahi under coach Jade bhai.  Before moving to Dhaka football in 2025, I played in the Third Division League in Rajshahi, scoring three goals in three matches. I also represented Badda Jagorani Sangsad in last season’s Senior Division League, which was abandoned after five matches due to the July uprising.

DS: You were named after Mashrafe Bin Mortaza. How did that come about?

MI: I was born just a few days before Bangladesh played India in the 2007 World Cup. My maternal uncle named me after Mashrafe, who, I heard, played brilliantly in that historic win. But football has always been my love. People often ask why I didn’t choose cricket, and I tell them: one Mashrafe played cricket, another will play football.

DS: How competitive was the 17-team league, and what kind of support did you receive from your club?

MI: The competition was intense. Four or five teams were in the title race, which shows how close it was. Mohakhali Ekadosh supported us well with food, accommodation and training facilities. The payment was modest, but I didn’t need to spend anything extra because of the club’s arrangements.

DS: What are your targets after this season?

MI: My ultimate dream is to play for the national team. For now, I’m hoping to get an opportunity in the Bangladesh Football League next season. If that doesn’t happen, I’ll aim for the Bangladesh Championship League. I’m continuing my training during the off-season to stay ready.

DS: You mentioned the national U-20 camp earlier. What happened there?

MI: I was expecting a call-up after my performance in the senior division, but it didn’t come. Still, I’m not disappointed. I believe something better awaits me.