Mushfiqur Rahim has brushed aside the idea of returning to One-Day Internationals, reversing his earlier ODI retirement call and making it clear that he has no intention of going back to the 50-over format. Speaking to reporters in Sylhet on Friday, the Bangladesh wicket-keeper batter said senior figures in the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had urged him to reconsider in the hope of featuring in Bangladesh’s build-up toward the 2027 ICC Men’s World Cup in South Africa.
ODI retirement reversed, but the comeback talk ends there
Mushfiqur confirmed that he received the message about making himself available again for ODI cricket, but insisted his personal decision has not changed in terms of playing future 50-over internationals. He said Bangladesh is already transitioning into a phase where experienced players may not be needed in ODIs as frequently, and that he does not feel his services will be required going forward.
- Mushfiqur said he was approached to rethink his ODI retirement and return to the ODI fold.
- He noted that the Bangladesh team’s needs are likely to evolve, and that he believes his ODI role will not be necessary in the future.
- He stressed he has no desire to play ODIs again despite receiving the offer to reconsider.
Assessment of Nahid Rana’s rise and work ethic
The wicket-keeper batter also spoke at length about the emergence of Nahid Rana. Mushfiqur said he has followed Rana closely since domestic cricket, having seen him in the dressing room and witnessed his commitment and attitude. He described Rana’s progress as something that never truly surprised him, pointing to a strong hunger to learn and improve even after doing well.
- Mushfiqur said he is not surprised by Rana’s rise, as he has watched him closely in domestic setups.
- He added that although Test cricket is new for Rana, the youngster has experience across first-class and national-level cricket.
- Mushfiqur said he first noticed Rana during his time around Rajshahi and later felt that Rana would reach the national team.
- He praised Rana’s rare interest in learning and self-improvement compared to many young players.
- Mushfiqur highlighted Rana’s approach—thinking about specific batters, maintaining a strong work ethic, and even habits around food and drink—as a positive sign for team culture.
- He argued that players who do not show such drive can change the environment, implying Rana’s mindset is beneficial for the team.
Sylhet conditions and thoughts on Bangladesh’s Test future
Turning to cricketing conditions, Mushfiqur said the pitch in Sylhet should assist batters, though he warned that the weather could become a major factor during the second Test. He also referenced recent local experience, noting Bangladesh had recently played a BCL match in Sylhet, and that the venue has generally offered a good batting surface.
- Mushfiqur said Sylhet’s wicket is expected to be batting-friendly.
- He cautioned that weather may be the bigger challenge in the second Test.
- He pointed out that Bangladesh also played a BCL match at the venue recently, reinforcing that Sylhet has typically been favourable for batting.
White-ball retirement, Test uncertainty, and Australia in 2026
Mushfiqur reiterated that he had earlier retired from white-ball cricket. While he has not decided whether to retire from Tests yet, he said he is looking forward to Bangladesh’s upcoming Test series in Australia. The Bangladesh tour of Australia is scheduled for August 2026 and will be a two-match Test series, marking their first Test tour there in 18 years.
He noted that the fixtures will be part of the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship, with the matches planned in Darwin and Mackay—described as rare winter Tests in Australia. Mushfiqur said his desire is to spend as many days on the field as possible for as long as he can, adding that he has not fixed a timeline for retirement but will step away when the time feels right.
- Mushfiqur said he has already retired from white-ball cricket.
- He said his Test retirement decision is not final.
- He expressed eagerness to play the Test series in Australia.
- Bangladesh’s tour of Australia is set for August 2026 for two Tests.
- It will be Bangladesh’s first Test tour in Australia in 18 years.
- The series will count toward the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship.
- Matches are scheduled in Darwin and Mackay, with winter conditions noted as uncommon for Australia Tests.
Wrapping up, Mushfiqur said the dream of playing a Test against Australia is a major goal, underlining his motivation as he weighs his next steps in Test cricket.
