'Did I retire from T20s? Did I do it of my own will?' - Mushfiqur Rahim adds another narrative to T20I retirement

Veteran Bangladeshi batter Mushfiqur Rahim hinted at being coerced into retiring from T20 Internationals. Mushfiqur, who bid adieu to T20Is on September 4, 2022, 3 days after Bangladesh got knocked out of the Asia Cup, clarified that he doesn't regret his decision, though hinted at a more intricate tale behind his depaarture. Mushfiqur's revelation came after Fortune Barishal's triumph over Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League Qualifier 2, wherein he was adjudged the Player of the Match for his composed innings of 47* off 38, leading his team to victory. 

Despite the time crunch at the post-match press conference, the wicketkeeper-batter took the opportunity to share insights into his retirement saga during his subsequent interaction with reporters. His statements indicated a potential re-evaluation within the Bangladeshi cricketing hierarchy. The disclosure provided by him has added another twist to his retirement chronicle, and hinted at a broader storyline shaping Bangladesh cricket.

“No (on whether he regrets retiring form T20Is). No, what's there to regret? You are saying this (about game sense) after I played well. No one said that before. I only want one question. Did I retire from T20s? Did I do it of my own will? That's all I have to say. That time when I retired in T20s, just look at the month before that, that's all I have to say,” Mushfiqur said as quoted by The Daily Star. 

"No, actually it does not motivate me. I feel bad. Because right now if you bring a lot of young players in front of me, I am certain they won't be anywhere near my level of fitness. I can write that down. I think instead of seeing age and performance, bigger factor is fitness and performance. Age is just a number," he added.

Mushfiqur makes his place count in BPL

Mushfiqur has emerged as the fifth-highest scorer in this season's BPL, as he has amassed 367 runs at an average of 33.36. His pivotal innings in the qualifier against Rangpur Riders ensured Fortune Barishal's spot in the BPL final. His consistency in the middle-order has been commendable, evidenced by his 39-ball 68 against Khulna Tigers and a 44-ball 63 against Comilla Victorians earlier in the tournament.

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The 36-year-old’s timely fifty against Sylhet Strikers further highlighted his value to the team. Rahim's unbeaten 47 off 38 balls against Rangpur Riders showcases his sublime stroke-making abilities, bolstering Barishal's batting line-up. It is imperative to note that, he had made himself unavailable for certain matched during the World Cup 2023, due to familial commitments, as Bangladesh grappled to stay alive in the tournament.