'Playing in IPL can't be bigger than representing my country' - Mushfiqur Rahim has no regrets over IPL snub

Mushfiqur Rahim has been one of the most consistent batsmen for Bangladesh for the past few years. He has, in a way, what some may call ‘held the middle-order together’. Considering his experience and performances at the highest level, it is slightly surprising that the wicketkeeper-batsman has not yet played in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

In an interview with Cricbuzz, the ex-Bangladesh captain said that he takes more pride in playing for his country. He said he doesn’t regret that he hasn’t played in the IPL as for me representing Bangladesh is quite important. The 32-year-old also said that it would have been a great opportunity for him if he had gotten picked for an IPL team.

Mushfiqur Rahim also rued the loss against India in T20 World Cup 2016

“No, I don’t have any regrets. I don’t think that playing the IPL can be bigger than representing my country. I think IPL is definitely one of the biggest T20 leagues in the world and all the top-class players of the world play there. So I would’ve considered myself fortunate enough to play in such a tournament.

I could definitely take my game to a higher level, sharing the dressing room with legends. If I get an opportunity then, of course, I’ll play. And if I don’t get then honestly, I will never regret it,” he said.

Rahim has entered the IPL auctions several times over the past few years but never has he made it to an IPL team. The right-handed batsman has played in the Pakistan Super League and Afghanistan Premier League. Unlike, his teammate, Shakib Al Hasan, who has played in two IPL franchise, Rahim is still hoping to get a call sometime.

During the interview, the wicketkeeper-batsman revealed the loss against India in the T20 World Cup match in Bengaluru in 2016 as one of the most disappointing matches of his career. In that match, Bangladesh required two runs to win from three balls with Rahim batting with Mahmudullah.

The two batsmen got out off consecutive balls. This followed another run-out which gave India a win by one run. He also pointed at another close match in the West Indies in 2018 in Guyana as the other disappointing match of his career.

“The other disappointments have been the World T20 match against India and the second ODI against the West Indies. If we had won that ODI we would have won the series – although we won the next match if we could have won that it would have been a white-wash,” Rahim said.