Exclusive: Mushfiqur Rahim reflecting on hasty T20 retirement; ‘no regrets’

"Mushfiqur Rahim, despite facing criticism, asserts no regrets over T20 retirement. His stellar performance in the BPL, guiding Fortune Barisal to the final, challenges doubts about his ability. Rahim's confidence in his experience and fitness underscores his determination to excel, irrespective of age-related skepticism."

The question on everyone’s mind was whether Mushfiqur Rahim was compelled to retire from T20 Internationals. This query gained significant traction as the seasoned campaigner guided his team, Fortune Barisal, to the final of the Bangladesh Premier League T20 tournament at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Wednesday (February 28). When pressed about any potential regrets regarding his T20I retirement, Mushfiqur dismissed the notion with a smile.

“I have no regrets,” he affirmed. “You’re saying this (acknowledging my game sense and performance) after I’ve played well; no one said that before,” he quipped.

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“I have one question to pose: Did I retire from T20Is of my own volition? Just reflect on the month prior to my T20 retirement, and I have nothing more to say,” he continued. Mushfiqur had indeed retired from T20Is on September 4, 2022, following the Asia Cup in the UAE, just ahead of the T20 World Cup in Australia. He faced significant criticism for his lack of form back then, and many questioned his inclusion for the Asia Cup.

Mushfiqur’s unbeaten 47 off 38 balls proved instrumental in Fortune Barisal securing their spot in the BPL final. Currently, he ranks as the fifth-highest run-getter in the BPL, accumulating 367 runs at a strike-rate of 123.56. Throughout the group phase, he delivered crucial innings, including a blistering 39-ball 68 against the Khulna Tigers and a composed 44-ball 63 against the Comilla Victorians. Responding to critics who doubted Fortune Barisal’s recruitment strategy, which included seasoned campaigners like Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudullah, and himself, Mushfiqur didn’t hold back.

“At the onset of the tournament, everyone claimed that Barisal comprised an aging squad incapable of excelling in T20 cricket. Yet here we are. This concept is fundamentally flawed; experience holds value in every format,” Mushfiqur emphasized.

“The criticism doesn’t motivate me (regarding my age); it disappoints me. Even today, if you compare me with many young players, I am confident they wouldn’t match my fitness level,” he asserted.

“How do you define fitness criteria, whether based on age or performance? I believe it should be determined by fitness and performance, as age is merely a number; otherwise, players like Jimmy Anderson would be anomalies.

“I don’t play to prove anything to anyone. I’m grateful to those who have selected me, such as Tamim and the owner of Barisal. I aim to repay their faith through my performances,” he concluded.

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