BCB trying to bring Mashrafe Mortaza back for the T20 tri-series: Nazmul Hasan

In last 13 T20 internationals, Bangladesh has won just one game. Their poor outing in the format has made Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hasan reveal that they are trying to get former Bangladeshi skipper Mashrafe Mortaza back in the side for the T20 format. Interestingly, their last win had come in the farewell game of Mortaza against Sri Lanka.

Mortaza had announced his T20 retirement in order to vacate the place for a youngster and wanted to make a return in Bangladesh’s side for the five-day format. Mortaza had mentioned that bowlers like Rubel Hossain who was bowling better than him but was not part of the playing XI because of him.

“If I look behind me, someone like Rubel is missing out. He should have been in the first XI, but he is missing out because of me. Since he is performing better than me, he should be on the team. I still feel this team is the best place for our youngsters to grow for a bigger stage like Tests and ODIs,” the fast bowler had said.

Can’t put pressure on Mortaza, possible only If he agrees: Hasan

BCB chief mentioned that they have discussed the possible return of Mortaza to help revive the side from the poor phase. He also said that he won’t put a pressure on 34-year-old Mortaza. “We have talked about it in today’s meeting. It also depends on Mashrafe. Everyone has told me that he will listen to me. I can’t put him under pressure. I can tell him if he agrees,” said the BCB chief. According to Hasan, Mortaza still remains their best new ball bowler in the format.

With Nidhas Trophy, a T20 tri-series involving Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, Hasan said that he will try to get the player back in the side for the tri-series which will start from 6th of March. “Mashrafe was asked to play the T20 series, but the matter did not roll further because he wanted to make a comeback to the Test side. We will also ask him to return for the Nidahas Trophy next month,” added Hasan.