BPL 2025-26: Eisakhil and Nabi become first father-son duo to bat together in top-tier league

Hassan Eisakhil created history by batting alongside his father, Mohammad Nabi, becoming the first father-son duo to bat together in a top-tier T20 league. Eisakhil also marked the occasion with a match-winning knock in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26, scoring a brilliant 92 for Noakhali Express against Dhaka Capitals in Sylhet on Sunday, January 11.

The innings came in Eisakhil’s first overseas franchise appearance, three years after making his competitive debut. Before the toss, Nabi presented his son with the Noakhali Express cap in a special moment. Noakhali had been under pressure after losing their first six matches of the season and had already used 19 players before finally handing Eisakhil his debut in the tournament.

Eisakhil justified the decision immediately, smashing seven fours and five sixes during his 60-ball stay. He added 101 runs for the opening stand with Soumya Sarkar before putting on a 53-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Nabi. The father-son duo came together at the crease in the 14th over.

There were clear glimpses of Nabi’s batting style in Eisakhil’s approach. Like his father, he holds the bat low with a relaxed stance and showed a fondness for driving on the up. While he began with square cuts and flicks, his authoritative pull shots were particularly reminiscent of the veteran all-rounder.

A heart-warming moment followed when Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Nabi’s long-time Afghanistan teammate and now representing Dhaka Capitals, encouraged the duo to embrace as they met in the middle. Nabi was vocal in his support throughout the partnership, though Eisakhil largely dominated the stand, often explaining to his father what he had picked up from the bowler’s hand and how he executed certain shots.

Nabi contributed 17 off 13 balls before being dismissed by Abdullah Al Mamun, while Eisakhil departed in the following over after falling to Mohammad Saifuddin. Nabi has seen enough of his son in competitive cricket, having played six matches against him in Eisakhil’s short career. A video of Eisakhil hitting his father for a six had gone viral last year.

The pair have also spent considerable time training together, with Nabi, who arrived late for the Noakhali Express camp, dedicating long hours at the practice ground with his son. After Eisakhil’s standout performance, he appeared set for more opportunities alongside his father in the playing XI.