The first time I saw him in action was at a basketball court during an Inter-University championship match at the DU (Dhaka University) indoor basketball court in 1969. He was representing Rajshahi University. That he was a natural athlete was never doubted by anyone, least of all me. Even though Dhaka University was a star studded team with the match being a one-sided affair, this tall, dark skinned muscular student played his heart out even though he lacked some skills required to excel in this sport. A friendship developed that carried on and strengthened over the years resulting in decades of mutual trust and respect. Khandakar Ziaul Islam (Masud) was a star athlete of the University that he represented. He wore the Varsity colors for cricket, basketball, football and track and field with distinction and honor.
Masud Bhai (as I addressed him since he was a year senior to me) was a natural athlete, and one could easily notice this because of the way he took his steps when he walked on the cricket field. He had that nimble step, which is so familiar with sprinters. The first time he was selected to represent the country was in 1979 when Bangladesh first played overseas in the ICC Trophy held in the UK. I remember the news headline in a local (Birmingham) afternoon Daily during our first match against Fiji. It read something similar to this; “Policeman Islam fires out Fiji” referring to the fiery spell of fast bowling that took out two Fijian top order batsmen.
It was I who titled him BB Masud, which stood for “Black and Bald Masud” referring to his dark skin and near hairless scalp. Later on, this changed to “Black and Bold Masud”. Now that I reflect on his life and accomplishment, the latter is aptly more appropriate. His boldness knew no boundaries. Always ready to meet the challenge head on, he never faltered or got flustered regardless of the opposition he was confronted with. His smooth bowling action delivered some of the quickest bowling that I played in my career and he was the scourge of many top order batters in Bangladesh’s domestic circuit.
In spite of his aggressive fast bowling, this calm and collected individual was a cricketer par excellence, a magnificent and honorable representative of the sport and a gentleman of high class. He had this extraordinary sense of respect for the game, for the opposition, the officials and administrators that governed it, and his fellow team mates. Rarely have I seen him lose himself in my years of association with him. On one occasion, during a practice session, he got into a rare scrap with Jahangir Shah Badsha. Some harsh words were exchanged but within minutes, he settled the issue in the most amicable and gentle manner, which was remarkable.
He spoke often of his son Dabbu and Dabbur Maa. I did not know his real name (Sazzad) until I found him on Facebook and realized that he was living in Australia pursuing a successful career in Accounting. I remember the day when Masud Bhai came to me and requested me to help him get Dabbu admitted in Class 3 at St. Gregory’s High School. Admission into St. Greg’s was no easy matter as it required academic skills as well as connection. The then Headmaster, Bro. Gerald Kraeger knew me well and once I approached Bro. Gerald about this nephew of mine, it was a no brainer. Dabbu became a Gregorian and every time I met Masud Bhai, he reminded me of the help that I rendered with sincere gratitude.
BB Masud is Bangladesh’s own and is a shining example of what a true athlete is all about. As a cricketer, he has solidified that term, “cricket creates character” beyond all doubts. He will be missed by many and we all need to be thankful to this gentle giant of a cricketer for his invaluable services to the nation.