Bangladesh wicketkeeper batsman Mushfiqur Rahim is not travelling to Pakistan due to his family’s unwillingness because of security concerns. Bangladesh T20I skipper Mahmudullah Riyad also belongs to the same family because of his kinship with Mushfiq. Mahmudullah and Mushfiq’s wives are siblings (sisters). Mahmudullah, who will lead the Bangladesh Twenty20 team on Pak soil, said his family was worried and it was difficult for him to make that decision at the beginning.
The Bangladesh team’s visit to Pakistan was finalized only a few days ago after constant disagreements between the two boards regarding the format in which both sides will play. It has been finally decided that Bangladesh will fly to Lahore on Wednesday to play the first match of the three-match T20 tour on Friday. Then on February and March the Tigers’ are scheduled to play two Tests and one ODI respectively.
Ahead of the Pakistan tour team’s, last practice session was held at Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. After the practice session, Tigers T20 skipper faced questions by the media regarding his decision to travel to Pakistan.
Mahmudullah said his family is concerned about his visit to Pakistan and it was tough for him to convince his family at the beginning. “It was difficult at first. Because my family also had concerns. I have had talks with my family and they agreed. From now I am somewhat relaxed, as my family will not feel tensed or upset. Because Pakistan is giving us their highest security. “
Mahmudullah received his family’s approval but Mushfiq did not find the same approval from his family. However, Mahmudullah fully supports Mushfiq’s family’s decision, “I support Mushfiq’s decision. There is always a family issue. Family is always bigger than cricket, nothing comes first for a person before the family. So, I have full support for Mushfiq’s decision of not to travel Pakistan.”
In the absence of Shakib Al Hasan, who has been banned for two years by ICC, and Mushfiqur, the onus will be on Mahmudullah and Tamim Iqbal to lead the team from the front.
“The responsibilities will be on Tamim and me. Tamim has played well in BPL. He has the vast experiences of playing international cricket. He’ll be our key player in the order. I’ll also try to bat as much as I can and finish the innings. At the same time, the younger players will have their responsibilities. They’re eager to do well and prove their worth,” Mahmudullah added.
