Mushfiqur Rahim has been one of the forebearers of Bangladeshi cricket and his form continues to impress with his run-scoring prowess. He recently opened up about what exactly goes on in the Bangladeshi cricketing fandom and how he has immense respect for Tamim Iqbal as he learned so many things from the towering southpaw.
Talking about Bangladeshi fandom, Mushfiqur would quote, “Only in Bangladesh, I have seen that people compare me to Bradman when I score a century, but then when I don’t score runs, I feel like digging a hole for myself. I am one of the senior players so we are not going to be around for long. But this is becoming a culture, so the younger players need the support. If I have to spend so much time tackling these things off the field, our on-field duties get affected.”
Here is what Mushfiqur Rahim quoted about his cricketing journey
In Bangladesh’s ongoing Test against Sri Lanka, he would go on to score his eighth century and would come to all guns blazing at the toxic fandom that goes on in Bangladesh. He would also go on to score a fine double-hundred against Zimbabwe in 2020. 2021 witnessed him scoring a dazzling 91 against Pakistan.
At the end of the day’s play, Mushfiqur would say, “I am sure I am allowed a bit of celebration after scoring a hundred, isn’t it? He (Fernando) was bowling at me in the heat. Both their fast bowlers were fantastic. Such a battle usually motivates you. We did exchange a few words, but that’s part of cricket. We later appreciated each other.”
Mushi would also quote, “However, he remained critical of the critics who don’t support players through their low phase. “(What is being said) is not desirable for a player. I think there’s no value for experience in Bangladesh. It is a huge deal to have played for 17 years. Allah has written what awaits me, and I want to perform that much well.”
His century helped Bangladesh claim a 68-run lead in the first innings. Talking about the fact that he became the first Bangladeshi cricketer to rack up this herculean feat, he would say, “It is a great feeling to become the first Bangladeshi to reach 5,000 Test runs. But I am sure I am not the last one. There’ll be a lot of capable players among our seniors and juniors who can reach 8,000 or 10,000 runs.”
