Mushfiqur Rahim Retires from ODIs After 19-Year Career with Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim has announced his retirement from One-Day Internationals (ODIs), marking the end of a remarkable 19-year career in the 50-over format. The 37-year-old made his decision public through an Instagram post on Wednesday, just after Bangladesh’s ICC Champions Trophy campaign ended on a disappointing note.

In his heartfelt farewell message, Mushfiqur reflected on his journey, acknowledging the challenges he faced in recent weeks and expressing gratitude for his time in international cricket. “I am announcing my retirement from the ODI format as of today. Alhamdulillah for everything. While our achievements may have been limited on a global level, one thing is certain: whenever I stepped onto the field for my country, I gave more than 100% with dedication and honesty,” he wrote.

The experienced cricketer quoted a verse from the Quran, emphasizing his belief in destiny. He thanked his family, friends, and fans, who have supported him throughout his nearly two-decade-long career.

Mushfiqur’s ODI journey began in August 2006 against Zimbabwe in Harare. Although he did not get a chance to bat or showcase his wicketkeeping skills in his debut match, it was the beginning of a career that helped elevate Bangladesh’s stature in international cricket. Over the years, he became one of the most accomplished cricketers in the country’s history.

By the time he played his final ODI, Mushfiqur had accumulated an impressive 7,795 runs in 274 matches at an average of 36.42. His record includes nine centuries and 49 fifties, making him Bangladesh’s second-highest run-scorer in ODIs, behind only Tamim Iqbal’s tally of 8,357 runs. His contributions behind the stumps were equally significant, with 243 catches and 56 stumpings, further solidifying his legacy.

Unfortunately, his final Champions Trophy campaign did not go as planned. In Bangladesh’s opening match, he was dismissed for a golden duck by India’s Axar Patel. His struggles continued in the next game, where New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell sent him back for just 2 runs off 5 balls. The last group-stage match, which could have given him a final chance to make an impact, was washed out due to incessant rain in Rawalpindi.

Mushfiqur’s retirement from ODIs marks the end of an era for Bangladesh cricket. While he will no longer be part of the 50-over format, his contributions and impact on the game will be remembered as one of the cornerstones of Bangladesh’s rise in international cricket.