January 24, 2024

‘Taking a spot of youngster’: 40-Year-Old Mashrafe Mortaza Criticized for BPL Play Despite Fitness Issues

Despite ongoing fitness issues, former Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza is criticized for participating in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). As the captain of the Sylhet Strikers, his leadership has come under scrutiny, especially in light of the team’s poor performance this season. The Strikers have lost both matches, prompting fans and analysts to question whether Mortaza is fit enough to lead the team effectively.

The focus of the criticism primarily revolves around Mortaza’s fitness levels. Many are expressing concerns about whether he should still be playing at this stage of his career, particularly given his persistent knee problems. This has led to doubts about his ability to contribute meaningfully on the field. As a former standout cricketer, Mortaza’s legacy is well established. Still, his current performance has not met the high expectations of his storied career. Observers are increasingly concerned that his physical limitations may hinder the team’s chances of success in the highly competitive BPL.

Moreover, the scrutiny surrounding Mortaza raises broader questions about the dynamics of team composition in professional sports. With younger, fitter players available, critics argue that Mortaza’s presence could be taking away opportunities from those who could benefit from playing in such a prestigious league. The debate highlights the challenge of balancing experience and performance, particularly as athletes age and face physical challenges. As Mortaza continues to captain the Sylhet Strikers, the team’s future performance and his own role in it will be closely watched, both by fans and by those who believe in the importance of nurturing emerging talent in the sport.

Mashrafe Mortaza is currently captain of the Sylhet Strikers in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) but faces scrutiny over his fitness. His ongoing knee problems have worsened, forcing him to bowl with only a three-step run-up, raising concerns about his ability to compete effectively at this level.

Former cricketer Mohammad Ashraful has been particularly critical of Mortaza’s participation, accusing him of lowering the BPL standards. Ashraful argues that Mortaza is occupying a valuable spot in the team that could be filled by a younger, fitter player, highlighting the broader issue of experienced athletes taking places that could benefit the next generation.

Reports suggest that Mortaza was initially reluctant to play this season, but the Sylhet Strikers’ owners persuaded him to participate.  “He (Mashrafee) got a wicket with his first delivery. Actually when a young player faces him, they are in doubt about whether to hit him or not since getting out becomes a matter of prestige. Maybe that’s why they don’t play freely. Actually, he [Mashrafe] didn’t want to play but the owners wanted him just to be present on the field. I feel that it’s belittling the tournament. This kind of tournament is watched all over the world,” Ashraful said while speaking to the broadcasters.

“Here we will see our future stars. There is a World Cup in six months and they have Rejaur Rahman Raja in the side, who is sitting in the sidelines. He [Raja] had a chance to do well in this tournament to make a place in the World Cup. That’s missing,” he added. Meanwhile, Mashrafe Mortaza himself has reacted to the critcism and admitted that situation is not ideal for him to play but also insisted that he cannot explain it. Mortaza didn’t even bowl in the last game even as the Strikers went down to Rangpur Riders and batted at number three scoring six runs before getting run-out.

“You cannot explain everything every time. So, what I feel that it’s not an ideal situation for me. Yes, that’s obvious [passion and love]. But to be very honest in an ideal situation it’s better if it doesn’t happen. But many things can’t be explained. Ideally maybe… I am mostly alright but the knee problem is problematic even though it’s small. 

“Whether playing someone would make things better is up to the team. Maybe instead of playing him (Raja) someone else could be played. That’s a different thing. The team won’t discuss with anyone about whether playing someone would be good. But as you said, in an ideal situation, that is what should have happened (Raja playing since Mash isn’t able to bowl),” Mortaza said. Given all his reactions and sharp criticism, it looks all but certain that Mortaza is playing for one last time in the BPL.

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