'Patriotism comes first for me' - Mustafizur Rahman prioritizes playing for Bangladesh ahead of IPL 2021

Bangladesh’s left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman has his priorities set as he cleared that for him nation comes first and he will not be willing to feature in the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the cost of missing international fixtures for Bangladesh. Two Bangladesh cricketers Rahaman and Shakib Al Hasan have been picked by IPL franchises Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2021 respectively.

Meanwhile, it is learned that Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is planning to conduct a Test series against Sri Lanka in April 2021 which will most probably clash with IPL 2021. In this scenario, the all-rounder Shakib demanded a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from BCB to play in the entire T20 Championship and miss the national duties.

Patriotism comes first for me: Mustafizur Rahman

Though this decision by the all-rounder had left the cricket board upset, they decided to give permission to Shakib as Bangladesh doesn’t want to force any player to play for the country. A similar kind of option was given to Rahaman, however, he has refused to apply for NOC from BCB.

The 25-year-old reckoned that he will be available for selection for the Test series against Sri Lanka as his first priority is to play for the country. The seamer further added that he is ready to do whatever the authorities want him to do as patriotism comes first for him.

“I will do what BCB asks me to do. If they keep me in the Test squad (for the tour of Sri Lanka) then I will play Tests and if they (BCB) don’t keep me in Test then they know what I should do. My first priority is to play for my country and if I am picked in the Test series against Sri Lanka, I will naturally play.

“If I am not picked then BCB will tell me that I am not included. At that point, if I am given NOC to play in the IPL then I will play but patriotism comes first for me,” Mustafizur told reporters ahead of leaving the country for New Zealand on Tuesday (February 23).