Mustafiz puts national duties over IPL

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has expressed that he puts the opportunity of playing for the country over that of playing in a money-spinning franchise leagues. Left-arm pacer Mustazifur while speaking to the media ahead of their flight to New Zealand on Tuesday said playing for Bangladesh is his priority over playing for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League T20.

The statement from the bowler came amid the hot debate in the cricketing fraternity regarding the decision of senior all-rounder Shakib al Hasan, who chose to skip national team responsibilities to play in IPL, attracting many criticisms. 

@Sah75official, the poster boy of @BCBtigers, has found himself in hot water once again for his decision to play the @IPL skipping national duty.https://t.co/k5LMHLFgV0

— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) February 20, 2021

Shakib was picked by IPL T20 franchise Kolkata Knight Riders for 34 Million Indian Rupees for the upcoming season. The cricketer later announced his unavailability for Bangladesh Test series against Sri Lanka schedule to take place in a similar time, April this year. Shakib since has been on the receiving end of heavy criticism from Bangladesh Cricket Board, the supporters and the media. 

“For me country always comes first. I will not go to play IPL T20 if I get selected for the Test series against Sri Lanka. I will go only if I am not picked and if the BCB allows me,” said Mustafzur who got picked by IPL T20 franchise Rajasthan Royals in the players’ auction held earlier this month. 

Mustafizur went through indecision since getting picked by Rajasthan about his stance regarding his choice between IPL and international assignment. It is understood that the left-arm pacer reached a decision after meeting BCB president Nazmul Hasan over the issue.

Vaas quits as Sri Lanka fast bowling coach days after appointment https://t.co/ca42pgPGtG

— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) February 23, 2021

“He (Mustafizur) had come to meet me and discuss. He wanted to know if he should go to IPL or not. I told him that I do not have much to say here. If you want to go you write an application to the board requesting NOC (No Objection Certificate) and we will not stop you. Our stance is same for all cricketers,” said Nazmul to the media on Monday following a meeting with the cricketers, team management and board high-ups at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.