DM Monitoring
DHAKA: Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hassan Tuesday urged star batsman Mushfiqur Rahim to change his mind and tour Pakistan next month.
Mushfiqur hit an unbeaten 203 in Bangladesh’s big win over Zimbabwe in the one-off Test in Dhaka but had cited safety concerns to skip the first two parts of a three-leg tour of Pakistan.
Hassan told reporters that Mushfiqur had not informed the board of his decision about the final leg.
“But I hope he will go (to Pakistan),” Hassan said.
“Every contracted player should go. Family is important for everybody, but country is more important.”
Bangladesh felt the absence of Mushfiqur against Pakistan as they lost the three-match Twenty20 series 2-0 with one game washed out. The tourists then went down to an innings defeat in the first of the two Tests.
They will travel to Pakistan again on April 3 for one 50-over match and the second Test scheduled to be held in Karachi.
Speculation is rife that Mushfiqur may reconsider his decision, especially after the team’s poor showing.
Hassan said Mushfiqur should take advice from his brother-in-law Mahmudullah Riyad — who led the T20 team in Pakistan and was part of the Test side as well — and other teammates before making his final decision.
“We’ve said we won’t force anyone. But after speaking to all, I think he should go,” said Hassan.
Bangladesh are keen to do well against Pakistan in the second Test, which is part of the ICC Test Championship.
Bangladesh’s experienced wicket-keeper batsman Mushfiqur Rahim may join his national team when they tour Pakistan in the third phase to play second and last Test of two matches series and one-off ODI in April.
The president of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has been reported saying that all of their players should prefer country over their personal interests.
“Our players have been given contracts to play for the country. I want Mushfiqur to go to Pakistan putting aside all the things as everything was fine there,” he was reported saying.
It must be noted here that Bangladesh, in January, toured Lahore to play three-match T20I series which they lost 2-0. Later, they played the first Test in Rawalpindi.
Now, Bangladesh is scheduled to tour Karachi for one-off ODI and the second Test in Karachi in April.
