Nasir Hossain returns to cricket after serving ICC ban

Bangladesh all-rounder Nasir Hossain has returned to competitive cricket after completing a two-year ban imposed by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Nasir was seen playing for Rupganj Tigers Cricket Club in their Dhaka Premier Division League (DPL) match against Gazi Group Cricketers in Mirpur on Monday, marking his official comeback to the game.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed that Nasir has fulfilled all the conditions required during his suspension, including attending the mandatory anti-corruption education session.

"As per the terms of the sanction, Nasir Hossain has now fulfilled all requirements, including completing the mandatory anti-corruption education session," the BCB stated in a press release. "This has paved the way for his eligibility to re-enter official cricket as of April 7, 2025."

Nasir had been banned for breaching the Emirates Cricket Board’s anti-corruption code during the 2020-21 Abu Dhabi T10 League. He was one of eight people associated with the Pune Devils franchise charged by the ICC in September 2023. Out of the two-year ban, six months were suspended.

The charges against him included not reporting a gift worth over US$750 — a new iPhone 12 — to the anti-corruption officer in time. He also failed to share full details about an invitation to engage in corrupt conduct through the phone and did not cooperate with the investigation. Nasir accepted all charges.

The 32-year-old has played 19 Tests, 65 ODIs, and 31 T20Is for Bangladesh between 2011 and 2018. Before Monday’s game, his last appearance in competitive cricket came in May 2023 for Prime Bank Cricket Club, also in a DPL match against Gazi Group Cricketers.