Mushfiqur Rahim Bids Farewell to ODI Cricket

Top Headlines

Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders : A Preview

April 11, 2025 26 Comments

Gujarat Titans beats Sunrisers Hyderabad by 7 Wickets

April 6, 2025 5 Comments

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai Indians : A Preview and Fantasy

April 6, 2025 3 Comments

Gujarat Titans vs Sunrisers Hyderabad : A Preview and Fantasy

April 5, 2025 3 Comments

Delhi Capitals breached the fortress of Chepauk

April 5, 2025 11 Comments

10:13 pm
March 6, 2025

On March 5, 2025, Bangladesh cricket witnessed the end of a monumental chapter as veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim announced his retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket. The decision came just a week after Bangladesh’s lackluster campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where the team failed to secure a single victory and exited in the group stage. With an illustrious 19-year career in the 50-over format, Rahim leaves behind a legacy as one of Bangladesh’s most accomplished and enduring cricketers.

UP Warriorz Stun Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a High-Scoring Thriller at WPL 2025

March 8, 2025 No Comments

A Stellar Career in Numbers

Mushfiqur Rahim made his ODI debut in 2006 against Zimbabwe and went on to become Bangladesh’s most-capped player in the format, featuring in 274 matches. Over nearly two decades, he amassed 7,795 runs at an average of 36.42, making him the second-highest run-scorer for Bangladesh in ODIs, behind only Tamim Iqbal. His batting record includes nine centuries and 49 fifties, showcasing his consistency and ability to anchor innings under pressure.

Beyond his batting prowess, Rahim was a livewire behind the stumps. He retires with 243 catches and 56 stumpings, the most dismissals by any Bangladeshi wicketkeeper in ODIs. His seven centuries as a wicketkeeper rank him fourth globally in the format, trailing only legends like Kumar Sangakkara, Adam Gilchrist, and MS Dhoni. Rahim’s longevity is further highlighted by his status as one of just five wicketkeepers worldwide to play over 250 ODIs.

A Giant in Bangladesh Cricket

Rahim’s journey in ODI cricket began to take shape during the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, where, as a young talent, he scored an unbeaten 56 against India in Trinidad. That knock played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s famous upset victory, signaling the arrival of a future star. From there, he evolved into a middle-order mainstay, known for his resilience, technical soundness, and ability to perform in clutch moments.

One of his standout performances came in the 2018 Asia Cup, where he smashed a match-defining 144 against Sri Lanka, setting the tone for Bangladesh’s campaign. His leadership qualities also shone through during his tenure as captain, guiding the team to milestones like their first Asia Cup final in 2012. Even after relinquishing captaincy, Rahim remained a guiding force, mentoring younger players and contributing to Bangladesh’s rise as a competitive force in world cricket.

The Decision to Step Away

Rahim announced his retirement via an emotional post on social media, reflecting on his journey with gratitude and humility. “I am announcing my retirement from the ODI format as of today. Alhamdulillah for everything,” he wrote. “While our achievements may have been limited on a global level, one thing is certain: whenever I stepped onto the field for my country, I gave more than 100% with dedication and honesty.”

He acknowledged the challenges of recent weeks, particularly Bangladesh’s dismal Champions Trophy performance, where he managed just a golden duck against India and 2 runs against New Zealand. “The last few weeks have been very challenging for me, and I have come to realize that this is my destiny,” he added, citing a verse from the Quran to underscore his acceptance of the moment.

Impact on Bangladesh Cricket

Rahim’s exit leaves a significant void in Bangladesh’s ODI setup. His experience, composure under pressure, and dual role as a batsman-keeper will be hard to replace. With his last ODI fifty coming in March 2024 against Sri Lanka, and recent struggles in form drawing scrutiny, some view his retirement as timely. However, his departure marks the end of an era for a team already grappling with transition after losing stalwarts like Tamim Iqbal from the T20I format in 2022.

Bangladesh now faces the challenge of rebuilding their middle order and finding a reliable wicketkeeper-batsman to fill Rahim’s shoes. Young talents like Litton Das and emerging players will need to step up as the team prepares for future campaigns, including the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Looking Ahead

While Rahim has hung up his ODI gloves, his cricketing journey is far from over. Having retired from T20Is in September 2022 to focus on Tests and ODIs, he now shifts his attention solely to the longest format. At 37, Rahim is just six Tests away from becoming the first Bangladeshi to play 100 Test matches—a milestone that would further cement his legacy. His Test record already boasts three double centuries, a feat unmatched by any other Bangladeshi batsman.

Rahim also plans to continue playing in domestic and franchise leagues, such as the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), where he remains a sought-after performer. His experience and skill set ensure he will remain a valuable asset in the T20 circuit.

Mushfiqur Rahim’s ODI career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to Bangladesh cricket. From a teenage debutant to a seasoned veteran, he embodied the spirit of a team that transitioned from underdogs to contenders. As he thanked his family, friends, and fans in his farewell message, the cricketing world echoed their appreciation for a player who gave his all.

As Bangladesh cricket turns the page, Rahim’s contributions—7,795 runs, countless dismissals, and moments of brilliance—will remain etched in the nation’s sporting history. For now, fans can look forward to seeing him don the Test whites, chasing new milestones with the same dedication that defined his ODI tenure.