Ziaul Islam Masud, the fearsome fast bowler of the Bangladesh National team has lost his bout with life .He has expired on 27July 2014. A great cricket personality, perfect gentleman will never again greet you with ever smiling gesture .He has gone to a world of no return leaving us all to mourn his death.

Many person play cricket but few can be termed cricketer. A true cricketer has to have ethics, attitude, temperament, manners and etiquette for it.Those of us who were blessed to meet him, spent time with him will not hesitate to agree with me that Masud had all of these. He was a true cricketer and great warrior. Bangladesh cricket in its infancy had many great names, excellent personality. Masud was among those rare breed of cricketers. He was a fearsome fast bowler, was entrusted to open the attack with red cherry. Usually fast bowlers are dare devils, daring short of fellows. Masud was also a brave competitor and “Never Say die “short of fellow. But at the same time he was a very amicable character, soft spoken nice gentleman.

I had opportunity to spend lot of time with first generation cricket warriors as friend, writer and occasionally co-player. I can assure you Masud won the love and respect of all for his unassuming attitude and soothingly soft attitude. Today when our star players suffer from attitude issues Masud can be ideal example how to hold fame in the right balance.

Masud not only represented Bangladesh Cricket to the best of his ability at home and abroad he was also involved with BCB in various capacities. I hope BCB will pay the tributes this great soul richly deserves. From my side, I say you, good bye Masud Bhai. You are called back by the power that sent you to us to enliven us with your pleasing personality. You have left us in Ramadan Mubarak as you were chosen person .All of us will feel your absence for a long long time. May Allah rest your soul in peace?

BDST: 0454 HRS, JUL 28, 2714