Bangladesh experienced batsman Mushfiqur Rahim has said that he has not been rested by the selectors for the T20I series against Pakistan starting today in Dhaka but instead, he has been dropped in a “collective decision” by the selection committee, team management, head coach and team director.
He also said that he was asked for his availability in the series to which he was more than willing to play and bounce back after a disappointing T20 World Cup with the bat. He said that the time has not come for him yet to seek rest from international cricket.
“To be honest I haven’t reached the stage when I have to tell someone that I need rest,” Mushfiqur told Bangladesh’s Channel 24 on Wednesday. “I am definitely available. Why won’t I be? I obviously had a disappointing World Cup. I needed an opportunity to bounce back.
“I was asked if I was available, to which I said, of course, I am available. But I was told that the selection committee, team management, head coach and team director took a collective decision to drop me.”
Mushfiqur’s omission has raked a massive controversy in Bangladesh set up as the T20 skipper Mahmudullah declined to comment on the issue and uncertainty over his exclusion from the squad. He said that the team management is the right authority to discuss the matter but was vocal about missing Mushfiqur’s presence in the side against Pakistan.