22 wickets in 10 matches at an economy rate of 6.25. These are the outstanding stats of Gazi Group Chattogram’s premier pacer Mustafizur Rahman in the recently-concluded Bangabandhu T20 Cup. His immaculate bowling in the tourney earned him the best player of the tournament award. Yet he regrets as his team could not win the title in the final against Gemcon Khulna. The left-arm pacer shared his views on the tournament in a recent interview, before going on a holiday to his homeland in Satkhira.
You are the best player of the tournament and also the best bowler. You are definitely happy with your performance right?
Mustafizur Rahman: If my team could have won the final, I would have been happier, with my individual performances. I will not say that I am unhappy. But if my team were the champions, it would have been much better. We played great in all the 11 matches. However, we failed in the end. This is a pity.
What did your team lack in your opinion?
Mustafiz: There was no shortage in efforts. Our team had some good experienced players. Like me, Soumya, Liton, Mosaddek etc. It was a very balanced squad. The unity, sincerity and coordination between us has been very good. The coaching staff was also good. But I believe sometimes, it takes luck to be a champion.
Your coach Mohammad Salauddin said before the final, T20 is a game of experienced players. Do you agree?
Mustafiz: It is difficult to answer. Those who play for a long time have the experience of going through difficult moments during the game. Young people may be left behind in this aspect. But in my opinion, it is better to have a mix of experienced and youth, which was actually present in the Khulna team.
Everyone understands BPL to be the domestic T20 tourney of Bangladesh. Do you think the BCB should organise a tournament like Bangabandhu T20 Cup every year?
Mustafiz: There should be such a tournament every year with only local cricketers. It is very good if the tournament is before BPL. This will give local cricketers a chance to shine. More players can be given a chance by increasing the number of teams as well.
Rumours are there that you are not comfortable in playing Test cricket. If this is true, has your thinking changed now?
Mustafiz: I want to play in all three formats regularly. Mashrafe Bhai often said that people will not remember you if you do not play in all versions of cricket. My opinion about Test cricket has now changed.