Khandoker Wasim Iqbal

Khandoker Wasim Iqbal (; born 21 November 1961) is a retired Bangladeshi football player and coach. He mainly played as a right winger, and was one of the most recognised players during the early years of Bangladeshi football. He was a prominent member of the Bangladesh national team from 1982 to 1990.

Club career Brothers Union Wasim's career began with his local club Brothers Union's youth team, with whom he took part in the Pioneer League. During his time with the youth team, Wasim managed to impress the club's captain Shahiduddin Ahmed Selim and was promoted to the senior team, within a year. Under the legendary Brothers coach Abdul Gafur Baloch, Wasim made his First Division League debut against Dhaka Wanderers. He started his career as a striker, but was soon converted to an out an out right winger in a 4-2-4 system and in his debut season of 1979, he scored in a 1–0 victory over Mohammedan. In 1984 he was named the club's captain.

Wasim's career with the Oranges saw him win the Federation Cup in 1980 and the Aga Khan Gold Cup in 1982. During Brothers' Aga Khan Gold Cup triumph in 1982, Wasim scored as the club routed the Oman national football team 3–1. He was a guest player during Mohammedan's Ashis-Jabbar Shield Tournament victory in India.

One of Wasim's most forgettable moments occurred during the 1985 First Division League deciding match against Abahani Krira Chakra. With Brothers needing a win to claim their first league title, they soon took a two-goal lead against their rivals. Furthermore, Wasim found himself in a one-on-one situation with Abahani's Sri Lankan goalkeeper, Chandrashir; however, his miss saw Abahani win the game 3–2, ending Wasim's hope for a first league title with his boyhood club.

East Bengal Club In 1987, when Wasim was made the national team captain for the second time, he attracted interest from overseas and eventually joined Kolkata-based Indian giants, East Bengal Club. During his stint in India, he participated in both the Calcutta League and Rovers Cup. He won the Calcutta League title, before returning to Dhaka. He also represented Brothers in the third round of the 1992–93 Asian Club Championship against Wohaib FC. One of his most memorable matches for the national side came during the 1984 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers against the Philippines, when he almost single-handedly won the match for Bangladesh with his two goals in the first half.

On 8 March 1989, Wasim scored his last goal for the country, during what's considered to be one of Bangladesh's best ever performances in international football, thrashing Thailand 3–1 at the 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Before the start of the 1989 South Asian Games, coach Nasser Hejazi dropped many regular faces including Wasim. It was suspected that as Wasim played for Abahani Limited Dhaka at the time, the Mohammedan coach Hejazi did not want him in the team.

Career statistics International + Appearances and goals by national team and year 1982 Quaid-e-Azam International Tournament 2. 13 August 1984 Sriwedari Stadium, Solo, Thailand Philippines 1–0 3–2 1984 AFC Asian Cup qualification3. 3–14. 21 September 1984 Dasharath Rangasala, Kathmandu, Nepal Nepal 5–0 1984 South Asian Games5. 6. 23 December 1985 Dhaka Stadium, Dhaka, Bangladesh Maldives 4–0 8–0 1985 South Asian Games7. 6–08. 8 March 1989 Dhaka Stadium, Dhaka, Bangladesh Thailand 1–0 3–1 1990 FIFA World Cup qualification

Style of play Wasim dominated the domestic football scene in the 80s in the colors of Brothers Union with his deft dodges, speed, lethal crosses and stunning goals. He was mainly known for his dribbles and is considered to be the best dribbler of the ball Bangladesh ever produced.

Managerial career After retiring, Wasim started his coaching career with his former club Brothers Union's under 19 team and later went on to manage the senior team for three years. In 2013, he took charge of Sheikh Jamal DC for the Bangladesh Super Cup.

He later focused on grassroots, coaching with United City in the Third Division League and Little Friends Club in the Second Division League.

In October 2021, he became the general manager of Sheikh Russel KC in the Bangladesh Premier League.

In March 2022, Wasim was dismissed from the general manager post of Sheikh Russel KC.

Personal life Wasim studied in Ramakrishna Mission High School, which is where he learned how to play football, due to his father's persistence. During the peak of his career Wasim appeared in the movie Johnny Ustad, where he acted alongside film stars like Zafar Iqbal and Anju Ghosh.

Honours Brothers Union Federation Cup: 1980, 1991 Aga Khan Gold Cup: 1981–82 DMFA Cup: 1984

Mohammedan SC Ashis-Jabbar Shield Tournament (India): 1982

East Bengal Club Calcutta Football League: 1987

Abahani Limited Dhaka Federation Cup: 1988 Sait Nagjee Trophy: 1989 Dhaka First Division League: 1989–90 Independence Cup: 1990 Azmiri Begum Gold Cup: 1990

Bangladesh South Asian Games Silver medal: 1984, 1985

Awards and accolades 1985 − Sports Writers Association's Best Footballer Award. 2006 − National Sports Award.