Mashrafe Mortaza as the Prime Minister? Bangladesh ODI skipper clarifies himself

Last year in December, Bangladesh ODI captain Mashrafe Mortaza contested the General Elections for Narail 2 constituency on an Awami League ticket. He won the seat and by a massive margin, garnering 274,418 votes as against his nearest opponent, who got only 8,006 votes. The 35-year-old Mashrafe became the only active cricketer to become a Member of Bangladesh Parliament.

He also became the second national team captain after Naimur Rahman Durjoy to enter the Parliament. The Narail-born cricketer is currently busy playing the 2019 World Cup where the Tigers have already been knocked out. Mashrafe’s men lost to India by 28 runs Birmingham.

Mashrafe Mortaza clears the air

Meanwhile, in the pre-match press conference, a journalist had an interesting question for Mortaza.  In the beginning, the journo asked him about the tactics for the game versus Virat Kohli’s men. Thereafter, he cheekily asked him about becoming Bangladesh’s next Prime Minister.

“How vital would the toss be, because you guys are playing on the same pitch apparently? The same pitch that was played yesterday. Will it be a ‘win toss, win game’ thing? And secondly, are we looking at the next Prime Minister of Bangladesh in 10-15 years? If that happens please remember us brother.”

Mashrafe tackled the question with a big smile on his face, saying: “You want to kill me (or what)?. But he chose not to answer the journalist’s query with a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. Thereafter, he talked about more tactics and how Bangladesh is planning to counter the might of the Men in Blue.

The journo didn’t give up and kept waiting for Mortaza’s answer. Realising that the person is awaiting his answer, Mashrafe clearly denied about any such plans. “If you’re (waiting for my answer to the Prime Minister question), surely not!

A not-so-happy World Campaign for Mash

As far as the World Cup is concerned, Mashrafe has had to strain personally. The veteran has picked up only a single wicket in the tournament in seven matches at an average of 315. The Bangladesh legend has had his issues with his knees for several years now. He’s be exceptional as a leader though.

Previously, he also confirmed that the ongoing World Cup would be his last. He doesn’t play Test and T20I cricket where Shakib Al Hasan leads the Tigers. Bangladesh’s last game is against Pakistan at the iconic Lord’s in London and the enigmatic Mashrafe would be keen to take his team to a victory.

Question: Are we looking at the next Prime-Minister in 10-15 years?

Mashrafe Mortaza: “Surely not. You want to kill me”#CWC19 pic.twitter.com/ZglugC8BqE

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) July 1, 2019