Zaigum Azam (Atif)

Zaigum Azam (Atif)

Sports Writer

38 Articles

Favourite Cricket team

Bangladesh

Favorite Cricket Player

Shakib al Hasan

Favourite Cricket Ground

Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium

Favourite Cricket Format

ODI

Favourite Sporting Memory

Mahmudullah’s retirement from T20Is in India

Favourite Sport Movie

Big George Foreman

Zaigum Azam, who is popularly known as Atif in the cricketing circle of Bangladesh and beyond, is a common face at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. The bearded man had been with cricket since his childhood after being sent to BKSP, country’s lone sports institute to learn the trade, from where leading cricketers of the present generation are groomed like Shakib al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque, and Litton Kumar Das among others.

latestArticlesBy Zaigum Azam (Atif)

India v Bangladesh - Asia Cup

Cricket

Exclusive: Saif Hassan Credits Franchise Cricket and Masco Academy for International Comeback

After making a successful comeback in the Asia Cup, Saif Hassan is gearing up for the T20I series against Afghanistan. He credits his improved game to franchise cricket experience and dedication to practice at the Masco Academy. Now, his focus is on delivering consistent performances for the national team.

Zaigum Azam (Atif)

2025-10-01

Afghanistan v Bangladesh - ICC 2022 Men's T20 World Cup Warm Up Match

Cricket

Exclusive: Nurul Hasan Eyes Stability Over Hype After Long-Awaited Bangladesh Recall

Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batsman Nurul Hasan makes a quiet return to the national setup after battling injuries and surgeries. Instead of seeking flamboyant comebacks, he prioritizes building career stability and consistency. Nurul's focus now is on staying in the team and performing steadily, rather than being defined by highs and lows.

Zaigum Azam (Atif)

2025-09-03

ICC Anti-Corruption Unit Press Conference – ICC Cricket World Cup 2019

Cricket

Exclusive: Can Alex Marshall Restore Credibility to Bangladesh’s Corruption-Hit Premier League?

Former ICC ACU head Alex Marshall's arrival in Bangladesh sparks debate on restoring credibility in the country's cricketing circles. The BCB is set to revamp its ACU following ongoing corruption concerns in the BPL, as Marshall plans to create a dedicated integrity unit to protect players and the tournament's reputation. With a focus on education and enforcement, the initiative aims to clean up Bangladesh's cricketing image and ensure fair play.

Zaigum Azam (Atif)

2025-08-27

Bangladesh vs Pakistan 1st T20 in Bangladesh

Cricket

Exclusive: Julian Wood Aims to Sharpen Bangladesh’s White-Ball Bite Through Role Clarity

Julian Wood, Bangladesh's new power-hitting coach, aims to improve player role understanding in white-ball cricket. With a focus on individualized training and playing to natural strengths, he seeks to help Bangladesh close the gap with top teams worldwide in the shorter formats.

Zaigum Azam (Atif)

2025-08-15

Afghanistan v England - ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Cricket

Exclusive: APL Revival Marks New Era for Afghan Cricket, Says CEO Naseeb Khan

After a six-year break, the Afghanistan Premier League is set to return with a new commercial deal, aiming to become a sustainable T20 league. The league plans to attract global cricket stars in October-November, potentially in the Middle East. Consistency in leadership and player commitment to domestic cricket drive the national team's success. The league aims to reflect Afghanistan's resilience and unity, building a legacy beyond just cricket.

Zaigum Azam (Atif)

2025-08-11

CRICKET-BAN-PRESSER

Cricket

Exclusive: Litton Das Has What It Takes to Lead, says Bangladesh Coach Salahuddin

Bangladesh's senior assistant coach believes Litton Kumar Das has potential as a T20I leader if given time to grow. Litton's leadership has shown promise with series wins, though a loss to UAE was a wake-up call. The key to improvement lies in providing quality wickets across all levels of cricket.

Zaigum Azam (Atif)

2025-08-04

Sri Lanka v Bangladesh - 3rd T20

Cricket

Exclusive: Mahedi Hasan Ready for Any Role as Bangladesh Build T20 Momentum

Bangladesh's T20I victories have boosted team morale, with vice-captain Mahedi Hasan stressing the importance of consistency and versatility in modern cricket. Despite mixed performances, he acknowledges the need to deliver across all departments to secure a spot in the XI. As he prepares to tackle challenges on and off the pitch, Mahedi's evolution as an all-rounder will be crucial for Bangladesh's success in upcoming matches.

Zaigum Azam (Atif)

2025-07-26

CRICKET-BAN-ZIM-TEST

Cricket

Exclusive: How Taijul Islam Is Silently Climbing into Bangladesh Cricket History

Bangladesh's Taijul Islam, approaching Shakib Al Hasan as the highest wicket-taker, believes in fate and building partnerships to get wickets. His focus on pace variations and long spells, with the help of Mushfiqur Rahim, has led to his success. Taijul's quiet consistency is propelling him towards greatness in Test cricket.

Zaigum Azam (Atif)

2025-07-20

CRICKET-SRI-BAN-ODI

Cricket

Exclusive: Tanvir Islam Embraces Old Action to Thrive in 50-Over Format

Bangladesh spinner Tanvir Islam has made technical changes to his bowling action to excel in ODIs after underperforming in domestic cricket. Coach Sohel Islam credits the adjustments for Tanvir's improved confidence and clarity in his role. A conversation with teammate Hridoy helped Tanvir return to his original mechanics, addressing issues with length and pace. His recent performances show he is adapting well to the 50-over format.

Zaigum Azam (Atif)

2025-07-11

CRICKET-BAN-NZL-T20

Cricket

Exclusive: Naim Sheikh's Silent Grind Sparks His ODI Return Through Unseen Hours and a Special Bond

Anwar Hossain, mentor to Bangladesh batter Naim Sheikh, discusses the disciplined training that led to his return to the ODI squad after two years. Their bond goes beyond traditional coaching, focusing on power-hitting and facing quick bowling. Naim's hard work and dedication in private training sessions have paid off, earning him a spot back on the international stage.

Zaigum Azam (Atif)

2025-07-04

To go with Cricket-BAN-CHN-Asiad by Shaf

Cricket

Exclusive: New BCB President Aminul Islam Outlines Bold Vision for Bangladesh Cricket

Former Bangladesh captain Aminul Islam has been appointed as the president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board. In an exclusive interview, he expresses his commitment to transparency and regional cricket reform, highlighting his plans to develop a robust regional structure and decentralize cricket in the country. Aminul also acknowledges the ICC's support in facilitating his move to take up the leadership role.

Zaigum Azam (Atif)

2025-06-19

CRICKET-BAN-SRI-TEST

Cricket

Exclusive: Ebadot Hossain Back in Bangladesh Squad After Five Knee Surgeries and 16 Months Out

Bangladesh pacer Ebadot Hossain to return to international cricket after ACL injury, commends BCB support. Ebadot excited about competition in fast bowling unit, aims for continued improvement within the team.

Zaigum Azam (Atif)

2025-06-16

CRICKET-BAN-ZIM-TEST

Cricket

Exclusive: Faruque Ahmed Slams BCB Ouster as Undemocratic and Politically Driven

Former BCB President Faruque Ahmed was removed from office abruptly, questioning the lack of due process and political interference. In an exclusive interview, he expressed frustration and disbelief at the rapid transition, attributing his dismissal to resistance within the board and lack of transparency. Faruque's ousting highlights governance and political influence issues within Bangladesh cricket administration, casting doubts on the board's commitment to transparency.

Zaigum Azam (Atif)

2025-06-09

CRICKET-PAK-BAN

Cricket

Exclusive: BCB Security Official Impressed by 'Top-Level' Safety Measures in Pakistan

The Bangladesh national cricket team's security official praises PCB for top-level security arrangements ahead of 3-match T20I series in Lahore amid border tensions with India. PCB guarantees player safety with bullet-proof vehicles and controlled street movements. No lockdown, but caution advised for players. Series scheduled to begin on May 28.

Zaigum Azam (Atif)

2025-05-29

CRICKET-CT-2025-BAN-PRESSER

Cricket

Exclusive: Coach Salahuddin Backs Litton Das, Targets Long-Term Growth for Bangladesh T20 Side

Bangladesh's senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin aims to instill self-belief in players for consistent international success. With upcoming T20 series in UAE and Pakistan, Salahuddin emphasizes long-term development and backs Litton Das as T20I captain. Team focus on gradual growth and mental toughness for sustained performance improvements.

Zaigum Azam (Atif)

2025-05-16

CRICKET-BAN-ZIM-TEST

Cricket

Exclusive: Tanzim Hasan Sakib Aims to Be Bangladesh’s Next Test All-Rounder

Bangladesh's Tanzim Hasan Sakib, known for white-ball prowess, fulfills dream of playing Test cricket. After working to increase pace with coach Salahuddin, he made debut with promising performance. Enthusiastic to contribute with bat as well as ball, aiming to support team in all aspects of the game.

Zaigum Azam (Atif)

2025-05-14

Zaigum Azam (Atif)

Though he could not become a noteworthy cricketer but the game and its beauty had a long lasting effect and as a result he decided to take up sports journalism and covering cricket over a decade.

Apart from covering Bangladesh his only other area of passion is Afghanistan cricket as he wonders and ponders how a country can grow so many talented cricketers despite all the adversaries.

Apart from covering cricket the only love for Zaigum is food and love travelling to have delicious Kebab and Biriyani.

He worked in different places during his more than decade long journey as a cricket reporter and that includes some major English daily of his country along with Cricbuzz.

Apart from that he regularly does a podcast in Daily Cricket called https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrQ0UbaPZFc&t=1167s Cric Talk with ESPNcricinfo’s Bangladesh correspondent Mohammad Isam.