Mushfiqur rested for third Zimbabwe ODI after refusing to tour Pakistan

DHAKA (Monitoring Desk): Bangladesh have decided to rest wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim for the third and final One-day International (ODI) against Zimbabwe, on Friday, after he refused to tour Pakistan.

Following an agreement between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), the Tigers were scheduled to tour Pakistan in three legs.

Post the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020, which concludes in Lahore on 22 March, Bangladesh will visit Pakistan for the third and final leg and will play an ODI in Karachi on 3 April and second ICC World Test Championship fixture from April 5 to 9.

Mushfiqur is adamant on his stance of not touring Pakistan despite being urged by BCB president Nazmul Hassan to change his mind.

“Mushfiqur will not be playing [third ODI against Zimbabwe] as we want to see one of the youngsters in this game, before they are picked for the Pakistan ODI next month. We don’t want to hand them a debut there,” Chief Selector Minhajul Abedin was quoted as saying by espncricinfo.

Speaking on his decision to skip Pakistan tour, Mushfiqur had reiterated his stance stating: “I had already made my stance clear on whether I will go to Pakistan or not and they [BCB] had accepted it. There was an offer from PSL and I could have submitted my name there.

I did not give my name there [PSL], so they [BCB] should have shown me more respect since even after knowing the current situation I did not submit my name.

Things are pretty clear and it won’t change in the future. I only have good wishes for those who travel there.’’