The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) witnessed a rare and historic moment as cricket fans saw a father and son play together at the top level for the very first time. Mohammad Nabi and his son, Hasan Ishall, shared the crease in a match that will be remembered for years.
On Sunday, 11 January, playing for Noakhali Express against Dhaka Capitals, Ishall produced a match-winning innings, scoring a remarkable 92 runs in his franchise debut abroad. The 20th player for Noakhali, Ishall’s performance played a pivotal role in the team’s success.
After the match, Ishall attended the press conference, where he candidly spoke about the influence of his father. While acknowledging Nabi as his idol, he made it clear that he does not merely imitate him.
“Even though my father is my idol, I don’t copy him,” Ishall said. “My friends say I bat like him, but it’s natural. Our bond is like that of close friends; we share everything about cricket.”
Despite this, the resemblance between father and son is unmistakable. Ishall grips the bat low, much like Nabi, and his stance is effortlessly composed. His preference for early shots, before the ball fully bounces, is evident, and he began his innings with classic square cuts and flicks. One of his pull shots mirrored his father’s signature style. When asked who his role model was, he replied without hesitation: “My father.”
Ishall explained why he focuses on batting rather than following his father’s all-rounder path: “I don’t enjoy bowling; my focus is on batting. I can bat for two to two and a half hours at a stretch. We are creating wonderful memories in the BPL. My father helps me with practice at home, and I help him too.”
Looking ahead, Ishall expressed his ambition to play alongside his father for the national team. “I’ve never spoken to the media like this before,” he admitted. “I’ve focused solely on cricket and my career. Yes, it’s my dream to play in the national team with my father. I’m working hard and performing well in domestic cricket to make it happen.”
Hasan Ishall – BPL 2026 Debut Performance
| Match | Team | Runs Scored | Balls Faced | Strike Rate | Notable Shots |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs Dhaka Capitals | Noakhali Express | 92 | 57 | 161.4 | Square cut, Flick, Pull shot |
Ishall’s debut not only celebrates the continuity of cricketing talent in the Nabi family but also sets the stage for a compelling father-son journey in Bangladeshi cricket.