At 19, he became the first Bangladeshi to take a hat-trick in Test cricket. With the reputation of a solid all-rounder, Alok Kapali made his debut in international cricket in a Test match against Sri Lanka in 2002. A talented leg spinner, he impressed with his temperamental bowling and useful lower-order batting. But, it was in 2003 against Pakistan that he came into the limelight, thanks to his hat-trick heroics. 

Kapali enjoyed more success in the one-day format as compared to Tests, but a string of poor performances led to the selectors dropping him from the side. However, he was recalled into the national side in the 2008 Asia Cup and he responded with his maiden ODI century, batting at No. 6. Unfortunately, he joined the rebel league, which put an end to his international career and also resulted in a 10-year ban. Soon, he quit the rebel league in 2009 and made himself available for national selection.