Mashrafe Mortaza Withdraws from BPL 2024 Mid-Season' Political Commitments'

Mashrafe Mortaza Withdraws from BPL 2024 Mid-Season’ Political Commitments’

The Bangladesh Premier League faces another setback as Sylhet Strikers captain Mashrafe Mortaza withdraws from the tournament midway. Mortaza, a key figure in the team and a former Bangladesh captain has been an influential presence in the BPL, making his departure a significant blow to the Sylhet Strikers.

In a statement, the Sylhet Strikers confirmed that Mortaza has taken time off to fulfill his political commitments. As a member of parliament, Mortaza’s responsibilities outside cricket have led him to step away from the tournament temporarily, leaving the Strikers without their experienced leader at a crucial stage of the competition.

Mashrafe Mortaza has pulled out of the Bangladesh Premier

Image Source : SYLHET STRIKERS

Mashrafe Mortaza, the former captain of Bangladesh’s cricket team, has chosen to leave the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) in the middle of the season in order to concentrate on his political obligations. The Sylhet Strikers are currently leading the BPL. . Mortaza, also a member of the Bangladesh Parliament, was recently re-elected for a second term, representing the Awami League in the general elections held last month. His dual responsibilities as a cricketer and a politician have been increasingly demanding, prompting him to step away from the tournament to fulfill his obligations as a public representative.

In the 2024 BPL, Mortaza participated in all five matches for the Sylhet Strikers but needed help to make his mark on the field. Despite being known for his exceptional leadership and bowling skills, the veteran pacer failed to claim a single wicket during his appearances. His struggle with form has also mirrored the team’s fortunes, as the Strikers, commonly called the Men in Pink, have yet to secure a victory in the competition. The team has been looking for momentum in the early stages of the tournament. Mortaza’s performance as a leader and player has been crucial in this aspect.

In an official statement, the Sylhet Strikers confirmed Mortaza’s departure, explaining that his temporary absence was due to his political responsibilities. The team expressed understanding and support for their captain’s decision, acknowledging the significance of his role in the nation’s political sphere. While facing challenges in the tournament, the Strikers remain optimistic about Mortaza’s potential return later in the season once his political duties are fulfilled. His experience and leadership qualities are invaluable assets, and the team hopes that his presence could reinvigorate their campaign in the latter stages of the BPL.

The Strikers must rely on the remaining squad members to step up in his absence as they aim to turn their fortunes around in the coming matches.

“Mashrafe will be available to play for the Strikers further in the season if there is an opportunity in between his political commitments and schedule. Sylhet Strikers franchise has extended gratitude to Mashrafe for his commitment to the team in the tournament so far and looks forward to have him back when he is able,” a Strikers statement read.

Mortaza bowled in only a few games during the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), with ESPNCricinfo reporting that the 40-year-old was hampered by an injury. According to the report, Mortaza could not prepare for the tournament as he had hoped, which drew criticism from former cricketers, including Mohammad Ashraful. The lack of proper preparation and his injury significantly affected his performance, leading to questions about his readiness for the high-pressure competition.

In Mortaza’s absence, the Sylhet Strikers have appointed Mohammad Mithun as their new captain. This decision surprised many, given the presence of Najmul Hossain Shanto in the squad. Shanto, who has previously captained the Bangladesh national team in Test matches and several white-ball games, was seen as a more experienced candidate for the leadership role.

Meanwhile, the Khulna Tigers, led by Anamul Haque, dominate the 2024 BPL points table with four consecutive wins. In contrast, the Strikers still struggle to secure their first tournament victory, adding further pressure on the team as they adjust to Mortaza’s absence and Mithun’s new leadership.

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Katarzyna Nowak

Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Top Cricket News, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.