Mushfiqur Rahim Shakib al Hasan for Bangladesh. Image Credits: AFP
Bangladesh legend Mushfiqur Rahim has ruled out the possibility of reversing his ODI retirement. It is worth noting that the seasoned wicketkeeper-batter bowed out of the 50-overs international game back in March 2025, i.e., shortly after the conclusion of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
With Bangladesh preparing its roadmap for next year’s 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup in South Africa, sections of fans and experts had urged the veteran campaigner to reconsider his ODI retirement and lend his experience to the side once again.
Rahim says Bangladesh do not require his ODI service anymore
While speaking with the reporters in Sylhet on Friday, May 15; veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim said that he has been asked to make his return to the Bangladesh ODI team.
However, the cricketer claimed that the Bangladesh team is at such a stage that his ODI services are no longer required.
Also Read: PCB Takes Crucial Babar Azam Decision For PAK vs BAN 2nd Test At Sylhet
He said "I think that yes, obviously the message came to me (about returning to ODI cricket) but I think that the Bangladesh team is at such a stage now and will go to such a stage in the future that my service will not be required.”
Mushfiqur Rahim praises Nahid Rana after Pakistan success
Mushfiqur Rahim also praised national teammate Nahid Rana after the speedster dismantled Pakistan and New Zealand, and fittingly bagged the ‘Player of the Month’ ICC award for the month of April 2026.
Talking about Rana’s strict work ethics, the 39-year-old said “I was never surprised to see his (Rana's) growth because that day, when I saw that, I realized that he still has this desire, even after doing so well, the way he thinks about a particular batsman or his work ethic or his food and drink, it's a very good sign. If any young player is not like this, then the team's environment actually becomes different.”
Rahim committed to Test cricket
A veteran of 101 Tests for Bangladesh, Mushfiqur Rahim is committed to keep playing the longest format of the game. The cricketer implied that he will only retire from Tests when he feels he does not the same desire anymore.
Speaking about Bangladesh’s upcoming two-match Test tour of Australia this year, Rahim said that the series is a “big dream” for him. He stated “Obviously it is a big dream to go to Australia and play a Test against Australia.”
A look at Rahim’s decorated career
Mushfiqur Rahim played 274 ODI matches in his career before announcing his retirement from the format. The cricketer concluded with 7,795 runs at an average of 36.42, and is currently ranked second among Bangladesh’s leading run-makers in ODIs.
Moreover, Rahim is Bangladesh’s most proficient batter in Tests with 6,603 runs to his name from 186 innings at an average of 38.84. He has listed 13 hundreds and 29 fifties so far in his over two-decade long journey with the national side.
Quite recently, the senior wicketkeeper-batter punched out a match-winning 71 against Pakistan in Mirpur. The innings, coupled with Nahid Rana’s five-wicket haul, helped Bangladesh wallop the visitors by 104 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Bangladesh will now face Pakistan in the series-deciding second Test in Sylhet from May 16 onwards.
Also Read- PCB Takes Crucial Babar Azam Decision For PAK vs BAN 2nd Test At Sylhet
