Ariful Haque has been around for ages and yet is still very much young in terms of age. The experience has made him a better player over the years although it took the Bangladesh Premier League to fast-track him into the national side. An aggressive all-rounder who can smash the ball around and hit huge sixes, Ariful made a massive statement during the 2017 BPL season which probably was the big break needed. His explosive batting skills aside, Ariful is also a more than handy medium pacer and his all-round credentials can add immense balance for Bangladesh who have long yearned for a seam-bowling all-rounder. With veteran Shakib already giving them excellent depth, someone of Ariful's ability could be a boost, particularly in the shorter formats where he can be a dangerous commodity. Ariful made his first-class debut for Barisal Division in the 2006/07 season. He started playing since age-group cricket and has been a part of the Under-19 and Under-23 squads. He has also played for the Khelaghar Samaj Kallyan Samity and Rangpur Division. With over 3000 FC runs and close to 100 wickets, Ariful has emerged as one of the premier all-rounders in the country. Like a few other new faces, he also got his maiden national call up during the Nidahas Trophy in Sri Lanka in 2018. His selection for the 2018 Asia Cup seems to be a step in that direction. Having said that, he has a long way to go before being a genuine all-rounder and he would be the first one to admit it. An exciting talent nevertheless. By Hariprasad Sadanandan As of September 2018