DHAKA, June 18, 2019 (BSS) – When many have already believes that they have seen the end of Mashrafe Bin Mortaza’s career after the 2019 World Cup; however the ODI captain of Bangladesh kept the decision up in the sleeve, stating that he has never told anybody else that he would end his career in England.
Prior to his departure from the country for the World Cup, Mashrafe declared in a packed press conference that it would be his last participation in the cricket’s biggest extravaganza but that time also he didn’t clear anything about his retirement.
However due to his recent performance, critics came down on him heavily which raised doubts whether he can prolong his career after the World Cup.
”I have never said that I will end my career here [in England],” Mashrafe told a private TV channel in England after Bangladesh’s victory against West Indies
”What I have said that it’s my last World Cup for sure. And I don’t think this type of discussion is healthy for the team in the midst of the World Cup. I always tried to avoid this, I don’t want to discuss this right now,” he said.
Bangladesh team has a win percentage of 58.22 under Mashrafe Bin Mortaza. Under his shrewd captaincy, the Tigers also won their first-ever tri-series trophy.
After going through serious injuries and being elected as a member of parliament recently, there were some rumors that Mashrafe may announce his retirement after this World Cup. But Mash put those rumors away once again.
Mashrafe’s World Cup performance hasn’t been up to the mark and he managed to take just one wicket so far in this tournament.
Critics though lashed him out and even suggested he should keep him away from the playing XI to accommodate Rubel Hossain, Mashrafe’s got his teammates behind him.
Tamim Iqbal too lambasted Mashrafe’s critics with very strong words terming Mashrafe’s contribution in their career is immense.
“Criticism on Mashrafe is totally unfair. He is the vital cog of the team,” said Bangladesh’s fast bowling coach Courtney Walsh.
Mashrafe has gone through seven operations on his knee in his career and he came back stronger every time to put the doubt in his critic’s mind. He has been dubbed as the most inspirational captain.
“It’s normal [to taste those criticisms]. It happens with the players all the time,” said Mashrafe. “No, it is not disappointing at all. When you are in professional life and you cannot give your best, it is very natural that questions will be raised against you and you have to accept it,”
”Ultimately, I expect more of myself and try to contribute to winning a match. When that does not happen, I question myself. Instead of what other people are saying, it is more important what I am feeling. If I am unable to give my best, that I feel bad is more important for me,” he said.