Everyone was surprised when Mashrafe Mortaza announced his retirement from Twenty20 cricket during the 2017 away series against Sri Lanka. While talking to a private TV channel, Mashrafe stated that he was forced into a situation to announce his retirement from Twenty20 cricket. The BCB is in shambles following Shakib Al Hasan's surprising statements regarding BCB personnel. Mashrafe has now accused BCB officials of disrespecting him. Overall, BCB has to find a way to resolve the issue with both Mashrafe and Shakib. Otherwise, things would become even uglier. The bombshell Mashrafe disclosed about his alleged T20 retirement in 2017 is discussed in this post.
Why did Mashrafe announce his retirement from T20 cricket?
Bangladesh cricket fans were in shock when Mashrafe announced his retirement from the T20i back in 2017 during the tour of Sri Lanka. Because Mashrafe had done a good job as the team's leader. As a result, there was no compelling cause for him to retire.
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But in a recent interview with a television channel, Mashrafe Mortaza revealed that he was in a circumstance where he had no choice but to announce his retirement from the format.
"There was an immediate meeting with me when I arrived in Sri Lanka. I knew there was an issue after the meeting. At that moment, I understand there is no need to continue the game," Mashrafe said during the interview.
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However, Mashrafe went on to captain the Bangladesh ODI team for two more years before stepping down from the role after the Zimbabwe series in 2020.
The selectors didn't pick Mashrafe for the last home series against the Windies citing that he has a fitness issue. On the other hand, Mashrafe said that he has never had a fitness issue during his 20 years long professional career.
“No one can say I missed a fitness test in my 20-year career. I passed a fitness test even during the Bangabandhu T20 Cup to make myself qualified for the tournament. I'm satisfied with my health and form, which is why I want to keep playing cricket,” Mashrafe Mortaza also added.
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The BCB president and Mashrafe have had many disputes about his retirement. However, as time passes, the debate becomes more heated.
Bottom Line
Mashrafe and Shakib are the superstars of Bangladesh cricket. It is not appropriate to make fun of these cricketers in any way. The BCB has a responsibility to handle cricketers with respect. Cricketers, on the other hand, are responsible for following BCB guidelines. All issues should be resolved as soon as possible in the greater interest of Bangladesh cricket.