Mashrafe Mortaza to take retirement call after World T20 2016

Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza who is all set to lead his team into the Asia Cup T20 final against India at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur tomorrow during a media interaction hinted that he intends to walk off from international cricket following the World T20 2016 or might extend it till the end of the 2016 season.

Mashrafe said, “I don’t think so. One thing is for sure, I will not be playing for a long time. By the grace of Almighty, if I am fit, then I intend to play this whole 2016. After that I don’t think there is any big global event for a long time,”

He also added that he has always been someone who follows the instinct but will also ensure that it is convenient for everyone. “But from a very young age, I have been an instinctive person. I have never ever treaded the usual fixed path. I live for the moment. Yes, whenever I take the big decision, my teammates will know about it before my family as it is a cricketing decision. When I take any decision, will make sure that it is convenient for everyone,”

The 32-year-old has been a good leader for the team with his 15 years experience and has been a vital cog in the revival of Bangladesh cricket.

“I guess the biggest reason is that I have started 15 years back. Some of the seniors like Tamim, Shakib and Mushfiqur only came into the side when I was already in the middle phase of my career. My biggest plus point is that I share a fine relationship with everyone. The revival of Bangladesh cricket happened as now players are empowered more.

“They have a sense of responsibility in them. Even if they fail 10 matches in trot but the intent is to win for Bangladesh, we stick with that player” a proud Mashrafe said.

He also urged the Bangladesh fans to treat it just as a game and not build up to it like war.

“Actually emotion is something which is difficult to check but a cricket match is not war for sure. One should know after match, all the players stay in same hotel, chat with each other, exchange pleasantries.

“So I personally don’t like equating cricket with war. In Indian team, Yuvraj is a close friend, I share good rapport with Harbhajan,” Mashrafe said.

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