Wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim has decided not to return to ODI Cricket after retiring from the format in 2025, following Bangladesh’s departure from the Champions Trophy.
“I received an invitation to return to the ODI team, but I believe they no longer need my services. They are performing well and will continue to improve,” he said during a press conference in Sylhet on Friday, May 15, ahead of the second Test against Pakistan.
According to ESPNcricinfo, discussions about Mushfiqur’s potential return were started by ODI captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who also advocated for him in the media. This comes after weaknesses in Bangladesh’s middle-order were highlighted by New Zealand in the recent ODI series, despite Bangladesh winning 2-1. Their only defeat occurred when they fell short by 26 runs while chasing 248 runs.
Mushfiqur ended his ODI career as Bangladesh’s second-highest run-scorer with 7,795 runs in 247 matches. He maintained an average of 36.42, including 49 half-centuries and nine centuries. He is considered one of Bangladesh’s ODI legends, contributing significantly to the team’s rise in the format since the 2007 Cricket World Cup, remaining a key player until his retirement in 2025.
Bangladesh secured a commanding 104-run victory over Pakistan in the first Test in Dhaka. Mushfiqur scored 71 runs off 179 balls in the first innings, helping Bangladesh reach a total of 413, aided by a century from skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto.
In response, Pakistan posted 386 runs, with debutant Azan Awais making a century. Bangladesh declared their second innings at 240/9, setting a target of 268 for Pakistan. Fast bowler Nahid Rana took 5 wickets for 40 runs, leading to Pakistan’s dismissal for 163 runs.
The second and final Test of the series is scheduled to begin on Saturday, May 16, at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.