Picture Credit: Twitter
When Bangladesh announced their squad for 3-match T20I series against Pakistan, there were quite a few surprises with experienced players like Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim missing. While Shakib's exclusion was understandable considering he suffered an injury during the 2021 T20 World Cup in UAE, it was believed that Rahim would have asked for rest to manage his workload.
However, the whole saga took a dramatic twist when Rahim made some shocking revelations to media. The experienced wicketkeeper batsman told that he had made himself available for selection and he was actually dropped from the squad. "To be honest I haven't reached the stage when I have to tell someone that I need rest. I am definitely available. Why won't I be? I obviously had a disappointing World Cup. I needed an opportunity to bounce back," he told Channel 24 on Wednesday.
Read More: Mushfiqur Rahim opens up on his omission from series against Pakistan
Rahim added, "I was asked if I was available, to which I said of course I am available. But I was told that the selection committee, team management, head coach and team director took a collective decision to drop me."
BCB issues show-cause notice to Rahim
After Rahim's comments got viral on social media, it led to various speculations. It wasn't the most ideal position for Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to find themselves in ahead of the crucial home series against Pakistan. Rahim's comments were absolutely contradictory to the statement by Minhajul Abedin, Bangladesh's chief selector, who had claimed that the wicketkeeper batsman was rested.
And now, it is being reported that BCB has issued a show-cause notice to Rahim for allegedly breaching the 'media protocol code of conduct'. "He will have to face a hearing as he has spoken against the selection panel," a member of the selection panel told Cricbuzz on Friday.
Bangladesh lost 1st T20I against Pakistan
Amid all the off the field drama, the fans got to witness a brilliant game of T20 cricket in Dhaka. After Bangladesh scored 127/7 in 20 overs, Pakistan were once in lot of trouble. However, explosive late cameos from Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz guided the visitors to a thrilling last-over win.