Mushfiqur Rahim rules out ODI return for Bangladesh

May 15, 2026 - 14:45

Mushfiqur Rahim of Bangladesh (Source/Getty Images)

Wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim has ruled out a comeback to ODI cricket after announcing his retirement from the format in 2025 after Bangladesh’s exit from the Champions Trophy.

"I did get the message (to return to the ODI side), but I feel that they don't need my service any longer. They are doing well, and they will keep getting better," he said during the pre-match press conference in Sylhet on Friday, May 15, ahead of the second Test against Pakistan.

As reported by ESPNcricinfo, talks for Mushfiqur’s return were initiated by ODI skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who also spoke in favour of the veteran player in media interactions. This comes after fragilities in Bangladesh’s middle-order were exposed by New Zealand in the recently concluded ODI series, despite Bangladesh’s 2-1 series win. Their only loss saw them collapse from a position of strength chasing a total of 248, falling short by 26 runs.

Mushfiqur finished his ODI career as the country’s second-highest run scorer in the format, with 7795 runs in 247 games. He has averaged 36.42, scoring 49 half-centuries and nine centuries. He is widely regarded as one of Bangladesh’s ODI greats, playing a major role in their increased prominence in the format. He rose to importance in the 2007 Cricket World Cup and has since been a mainstay in the middle order until his retirement in 2025.

Bangladesh beat Pakistan by a whopping 104 runs in the first Test in Dhaka. Mushfiqur scored 71 off 179 balls in the first innings as Bangladesh scored a competitive 413, courtesy of skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto's century.

Pakistan scored 386 in response, with debutant Azan Awais scoring a century. Bangladesh declared their second innings at 240/9, setting a total of 268 for Pakistan to chase. Pace spearhead Nahid Rana ran through the Pakistan lineup, finishing with figures of 5 for 40 as Pakistan were bundled out for 163.

The second and final Test of the series is set to commence on Saturday, May 16, at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.