Mushfiqur Rahim scored an impressive unbeaten 47 off 38 balls, leading Fortune Barisal to victory over Rangpur Riders and securing a spot in the final. However, his response regarding retirement from T20Is during the post-match interview raised several eyebrows.
Fortune Barisal successfully chased down a target of around 150 runs in the second qualifier of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), securing their place in the tournament final. The team’s performance was highlighted by a stellar innings from Mushfiqur Rahim, who played a pivotal role in the chase with an unbeaten 47 runs off 38 deliveries. His composure and skill at the crease helped propel Fortune Barisal past the favored Rangpur Riders, showcasing his experience and talent in crucial moments.
Rahim’s contributions extend beyond this match; he is currently the fifth-highest run-scorer of the season, having accumulated 367 runs at an impressive strike rate 123.56. His consistency and ability to perform under pressure have made him a key player for Fortune Barisal throughout the tournament. As he continues to shine, fans and analysts recognize his significant impact on the team’s journey to the final.
Despite his strong performances, Rahim has already announced his retirement from T20 internationals. When asked whether he regrets that decision, he responded bluntly with a firm “no.” This assertive stance suggests that he is content with his choices and remains focused on contributing to his team’s success in the BPL without looking back on past decisions.
Moreover, Rahim sparked a controversy with his statement hinting that he announced retirement from the shortest format against his wish. “No (regrets). You are saying this (my game sense and performance is good) after I played well, no one said that before. I just want to ask one question? Did I retire from T20Is on my own wish? Just look at the month before when I retired in T20s and I don’t have anything else to say,” Rahim said after the match.
Meanwhile, three veterans of Bangladesh cricket—Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal, and Mahmudullah—form a significant part of the Fortune Barisal lineup. The decision to assemble a team predominantly featuring experienced players has drawn criticism from various quarters, with many questioning the strategy of relying on veteran talent. However, Rahim firmly believes that the notion of T20 cricket exclusively for youngsters is misguided.
In his view, the value of experience in T20 cricket cannot be overstated. Rahim argues that seasoned players bring a wealth of knowledge, skill, and composure to high-pressure situations, which can be crucial in crucial matches. Their ability to read the game and make strategic decisions can significantly influence the outcome, making them invaluable assets to any team.
As the tournament progresses, Rahim and his fellow veterans are determined to prove that age and experience coexist with youthful energy and flair in T20 cricket. By demonstrating their skills on the field, they aim to challenge prevailing perceptions and highlight the importance of a balanced team combining youth and experience for success in the format.
“At the start of the tournament everyone said Barisal is a team of old guys and T20 cannot be played with experience. But here we are. This concept is very wrong and experiences have value in every format. It does not motivate me (being criticized for my age) and I feel bad about it. Even today if you bring lot of young players in front of me, I am sure they will not get near me with respect to fitness. How will you give criterion to fitness whether it is age and performance? I feel it should be fitness and performance considering age is just a number otherwise player’s like Jimmy Anderson would have been rare.
“I don’t play to prove anything to anyone and those who have picked me, I am thankful to them, like Tamim and owner of Barisal. I want to repay their faith through my performance,” Rahim added. For the unversed, Mushfiqur Rahim retired from the shortest format back in September 2022 following the conclusion of the Asia Cup and just before T20 World Cup in Australia.
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