The think-tank of the Bangladesh cricket team is apparently divided over the participation of pace sensation Mustafizur Rahman in the foreign Twenty20 leagues. A few believe the left-arm pacer should be held back keeping in mind the busy schedule of Bangladesh cricket team, in contrast, the others are of the opinion that allowing Mustafizur to partake will only enhance his experience and knowledge about the game.
Last month, the Bangladesh Cricket Board was caught in two minds after he was roped in by the Lahore Qalandars franchise for $50,000 in what will be the first edition of the Pakistan Super League T20. The five-team tournament will be held in the UAE from February 4-24.
“The board has decided to give NOCs (No-Objection Certificates) for PSL to all the players (Tamim Iqbal, Shakib al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim) with the exception of Mustafizur. His decision is still pending and the board will soon reach a conclusion,” BCB media committee chairman Jalal Younus told Dhaka Tribune yesterday.
The BCB director also informed that financial compensation will be provided to Mustafizur if he is not allowed to play in the PSL. It was learned that the “holding back” plan was originally the idea of national head coach Chandika Hathurusingha and a few board high-ups. They did not want the gem to get exposed in the PSL, given that a couple of multi-nation events are right around the corner.
Mustafizur announced his grand arrival in international cricket when he took five wickets on ODI debut. The Satkhira lad followed it up with a six-wicket haul in his second match, thus becoming the first cricketer in history to pick up 11 wickets in the first two appearances. Late last year, he also became the first Bangladesh cricketer to be picked in the ICC ODI team of the year.
