Kamal Ziaul Islam: A legend in his own time

A titan, a legend, an iconoclast, a pioneer—these are some of the words that come to one's mind when recalling the memory of Kamal Ziaul Islam, popularly known as KZ Islam, who passed away on May 3, 2021. It is hard to accept that his charming personality and uplifting presence will no longer be a part of our lives. A charismatic figure, equally at ease with seniors, contemporaries and juniors, KZ Islam was the life of every gathering and his infectious optimism and ebullient personality would win him friends wherever he went.

KZ Islam's contributions to Bangladeshi cricket are well-known, and he had had many accolades and achievements, such as being the President of Bangladesh Cricket Control Board (presently Bangladesh Cricket Board), President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB), President of Gulshan Club, and so on. I will instead focus on his personal side, which is as fascinating as his public persona.