Mushfiqur Rahim stands firm, cites no regrets on T20I retirement

Mushfiqur Rahim, the veteran Bangladeshi batsman, has shut down whispers of regret regarding his sudden retirement from T20 Internationals in September 2022. His comments come on the heels of a stellar performance in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League, where he’s spearheaded his team, Fortune Barisal, to the finals.

Responding to a journalist’s inquiry about potential regrets, Mushfiqur offered a curt “no,” laced with a hint of defiance. He pointed out the stark contrast in the perception of his abilities, stating, “You are saying this after I played well, no one said that before.” This subtle dig implies that his decision to retire was met with negativity and doubt surrounding his skills.

Further fueling speculation, he posed a thought-provoking 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.” This statement implies external factors, possibly related to selection or lack of support, might have played a role in his decision. While he remains tight-lipped on specifics, it leaves room for pondering the circumstances that led to his retirement.

Mushfiqur’s recent BPL form has been a stark turnaround from his pre-retirement struggles. He currently sits as the tournament’s fifth-highest run-scorer, amassing 367 runs at a brisk strike rate of 123.56. His unbeaten 47 in the semi-final was instrumental in propelling his team to the finals.

Should Mushfiqur come out of retirement?

This resurgence has sparked a heated debate among fans and analysts. Some see it as a vindication of Mushfiqur’s decision, highlighting his continued potential in the shortest format. Others remain unconvinced, arguing that a single tournament’s performance doesn’t erase the reasons behind his retirement. It’s crucial to consider the context surrounding Mushfiqur’s decision. He had been under fire for his lack of form leading up to the 2022 T20 World Cup. Whether these external pressures directly influenced his retirement remains unclear.

Now, with another T20 World Cup around the corner, there is a belief amongst fans that Rahim should withdraw his retirement. They insist that the high-ups must speak to him in this regard as his form could augur well for the team.

However, Mushfiqur’s unwavering stance on his decision suggests a sense of acceptance and closure. He has chosen to focus on his present form and contributions to the BPL, leaving the T20I chapter behind him. Only time will tell if this decision proves to be the right one for him and the Bangladeshi cricket team in the long run.