Bangladesh’s ODI and T-20 captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza says he is retiring from the shortest version of cricket for upcoming young players.
‘This is high time for me to say good-bye to T20 format so that many youngsters can get the opportunity to showcase their talent and thus BCB can nurture them for the future,’ he said in a facebook post shortly after he made a public announcement on his retirement.
Amidst widespread rumours, Mashrafe made it clear during toss against Sri Lanka in the first T-20 match that he will quit this format after finishing the series on April 6, but will continue one-day internationals.
Mashrafe has played 52 (without last one) T20Is, scoring 368 runs and taking 39 wickets. He captained on 27 occasions winning 9, losing 16 and with one match having no result.
‘This T20 series will be my last for Bangladesh. I thank the Bangladesh Cricket Board, my family, friends, players and the support staff of the team for supporting me all the way in the last 15 years and praying for me,’ said the 34-year-old pacer during toss.
Mash also said in his verified facebook page: I believe that this team is currently a balanced one and there are some promising youngsters.
The most successful Bangladesh captain said: There were some bad and some good days as well. I always tried to make my fans happy. I am very sorry to each and every fan for not being able to make them happy in every match.
‘Right now as a team we are playing good cricket. I am sure Bangladesh will keep on playing good cricket in the days to come.’
Mashrafe, dubbed as most popular Bangladeshi cricketer, wished his teammates and said: Let me congratulate the new captain in advance and I am sure the best is yet to come. See you soon, Love!’
