Bangladesh veteran wicket-keeper batter Mushfiqur Rahim has announced retirement from T20 International following team's shocking elimination from the ongoing T20 Asia Cup 2022. In his statement, the wicketkeeper revealed that he wants to focus on Test and ODI formats of the game but will be available for opportunities in T20 leagues around the world.
The retirement comes after Mushfiqur was facing severe criticism from all quarters for failing to perform in Asia Cup 2022. Rahim had scores of 1 and 4 in the two innings he played in Asia Cup 2022. Under the leadership of Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh lost back-to-back matches against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka in the league stage matches to cause their elimination from the continental tournament. Mushfiqur became the second Bangladesh player to retire from the shortest format following Tamim Iqbal's retirement.
"I would like to announce my retirement from T20 INTERNATIONALS and focus on Test and ODI formats of the game. I will be available to play franchise leagues when the opportunity arrives. Looking forward to proudly represent my nation in the two formats," Mushfiqur wrote on Twitter.
The 35-year-old has played 102 T20 internationals, where he has scored 1500 runs at an average of 19.5 and a strike rate of 115.
