Dhaka: Bangladesh’s veteran cricketer Mushfiqur Rahim has announced his retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs). He shared this news on his official Facebook page. This decision comes just weeks after Bangladesh’s disappointing campaign in the Champions Trophy, where they failed to win a single match.
Mushfiqur Rahim’s Career
Mushfiqur Rahim was Bangladesh’s second-highest run-scorer in ODIs, amassing 7,795 runs in 274 matches at an average of 36.42. His impressive career includes nine centuries and 49 half-centuries. Additionally, he is one of only five wicketkeepers to have played more than 250 ODIs. As a wicketkeeper-batsman, he scored seven centuries, ranking just behind Kumar Sangakkara, Adam Gilchrist, and MS Dhoni in this category.
However, Mushfiqur’s recent form had raised concerns. His struggles were evident in the Champions Trophy, where he was dismissed for a golden duck against India and managed only two runs against New Zealand. His last ODI half-century came in March last year against Sri Lanka. He also missed two ODIs against Afghanistan in November and the West Indies tour later that year due to injury.
Mushfiqur Rahim’s Emotional Farewell Post
On his Facebook page, Mushfiqur shared an emotional post, stating: “Today, I am announcing my retirement from the ODI format. Alhamdulillah for everything. Our success on the world stage may be limited, but every time I stepped onto the field for my country, I gave more than 100% with dedication and honesty. The past few weeks have been challenging for me, and I felt this was my destiny. Finally, I want to thank my family, friends, and fans, for whom I have played cricket for the last 19 years.”
Debut Against India and a Legendary Career
Considered one of Bangladesh’s greatest ODI players, Mushfiqur made his debut in the 2007 World Cup, replacing veteran wicketkeeper Khaled Mashud. He played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s famous victory over India in Trinidad, scoring a valuable half-century. Over the years, he became an indispensable middle-order batsman. Although he briefly lost his place in 2008, he remained a key player for nearly two decades.
Mushfiqur also holds the record for the most consecutive ODIs played for Bangladesh, featuring in 92 matches from 2010 to 2016. He had previously retired from T20Is after the 2022 T20 World Cup. Currently, he has played 94 Test matches and is on the verge of becoming the first Bangladeshi cricketer to reach 100 Tests.
His retirement marks the end of an era in Bangladesh’s ODI cricket history, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, dedication, and passion for the game.
