'Those who make a name, also get a bad name'

He became a pillar of support for the team with both bat and ball. Nasir Hossain was once considered an "auto choice" for Bangladesh's team. As an all-rounder, even if he couldn't deliver everything the team expected, his performances were still enough to satisfy the team. This right-handed all-rounder was thought to be a "long-distance horse." However, Nasir lost his way after getting embroiled in several controversies, eventually falling out of favour at one point.

Many believe that with the talent and potential Nasir had, he could have maintained his position if he had been a bit more mindful. Some even think that if he had displayed more mature behaviour, his journey in international cricket might have been different. Nasir, however, partly agrees with such thoughts. In his view, "Those who make a name, also get a bad name."

In 2021, while playing in the T10 League in the United Arab Emirates, Nasir was accused of corruption, and the ICC banned him from all forms of cricket. He was banned for two years, with a six-month suspended sentence, in January of the previous year, for breaking three anti-corruption clauses, including accepting an iPhone gift. The 33-year-old cricketer's ban ended on 6 April 2025. On that day, Nasir played a match in the Premier League for Rupganj Tigers Cricket Club, taking 1 wicket for 31 runs from 10 overs, and later scoring 9 runs from 11 balls.

Nasir was thrilled to be back playing competitive cricket after nearly two years. Reflecting on his return after the Rupganj Tigers' match at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, he said, "Of course, it feels great. The thing I was missing was playing cricket. So, it feels really good to be back after such a long time. That's it!"

Although he had been away from cricket, Nasir mentioned that the time hadn't been entirely bad. He spoke fondly of the time spent with his family, calling it "bindaas" (carefree). "I was away for about a year and a half, and I was carefree. What else can I say (laughs)? I was with my family, and it was good, Alhamdulillah. I did miss playing cricket, but I was with my family, and I was happy."

Despite his long cricket career, the extended break was not insignificant. Nasir felt that everything seemed new on his return. However, he did not view it as an "debut match" experience. He explained, "It didn't feel like a debut match. But many things did feel new. The preparation before the game, almost after a year and a half, I did the same preparations. Packing my bags, getting my gear ready – it felt a little new. It felt good that after such a long time, I would be playing again. If I could perform better, it would feel even better."

When asked if his career could have been different if he had been more careful, Nasir responded, "Alhamdulillah, I have a child, I have a family. I am happy, I am well. Those who make a name, also get a bad name. This is normal." He also commented on the nature of online journalism, saying, "Nowadays, in online media, we do anything to increase our TRP. It's the truth. I think it's better not to do this. Because one news item can cause problems for a family just to get some likes. You all know this well. If it happens to your family, then you will understand."