Mushfiqur Rahim calls for age to be removed as selection criteria, claims to be fitter than most youngsters
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League, Mushfiqur Rahim, the senior player, said that a T20 team cannot and should not be written off if it comprises too many senior players. Instead, he believes that the experience that they bring to the table is of immense value. In his opinion, a balance between seasoned veterans and young talent is the key to a winning T20 strategy.
“Didn’t you say before the tournament that Barishal is the team of the old? Didn’t you say that T20s can’t be won with experience? I think this is a wrong concept. You need experience in every format. New players will come, the older ones will go, but they will combine well to build the team. We want to leave a legacy, and we want the likes of Towhid Hridoy and Tamim Tanzid Hasan to leave a legacy when they become senior players. It is supposed to be smooth sailing,” he said.
Mushfiqur Rahim downplayed the criticism surrounding his age, stating it doesn’t motivate him but rather hurts him. He emphasized that fitness and performance, not age, should be the primary selection criteria. He expressed confidence in his fitness level, claiming to be fitter than most players, including younger ones. “It doesn’t motivate me. It hurts me. I can guarantee you that I am better than most players in terms of fitness. I can write it down. More than age, I think the criteria should be fitness and performance. Age is just a number,” he said.
Mushfiqur slams crowds for booing legends
Rahim was also questioned about the Shakib-Tamim saga which has rocked Bangladesh Cricket in recent times. He condemned the booing of the two stalwarts by Bangladeshi fans during the recent tournament. He emphasized their significant contributions to the nation through their performances, arguing such behaviour from the crowds is unfair and unwarranted.
“They are both legends. They have given a lot to Bangladesh cricket. This bhua bhua chant, if they have to hear it, the rest of us should be buried in the ground,” he said.
