'If Mustafizur prefers that he wants to play one day or T20 then we should respect that' - Shakib Al Hasan

Bangladesh's newly-appointed Test captain Shakib Al Hasan has sided with seamer Mustafizur Rahman saying that he shouldn't be forced into playing the purest format of the game. The young Bangladesh seamer isn't keen on playing the Test format.

Rahman has repeatedly hinted about his reluctance to Tests. The 26-year-old wants to focus more on the limited-overs format and have a prolonged career. His last Test appearance for Bangladesh came in February 2021 against West Indies.

However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) isn't happy with Mustafizur Rahman's decision. They want to have the services of the left-arm pacer in all formats. 

He has so far featured in 14 Test matches picking 30 wickets at an average of 36.7 and an economy rate of 3.28. It is believed that Rahman received a letter from BCB regarding his Test career and the same compelled the seamer to don the white jersey once again despite not having a contract.

Rahman forms a part of the Bangladesh squad for the two-match Test series against West Indies. The tour will get underway on June 16 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. Speaking on the presence of Mustafizur Rahman in the Test squad, captain Shakib Al Hasan mentioned that the seamer shouldn't be forced to play any format.

While the 26-year-old has faced much backlash for his take on Test cricket, Shakib extended his support for the Satkhira-born, revealing that Rahman is motivated to do good for the country in the coming two-match series. However, the BCB should look at things for the long term and not force any player to play a certain format. 

"There is nothing to motivate. Because if Mustafizur prefers that he wants to play one day or T20 then I think we should respect that. As he is in the series and I am sure he is motivated to play these two matches and that is important for us. As a captain, I am focused on these two matches and he looked very motivated to play these two matches," Shakib Al Hasan said ahead of the first Test as quoted by Sportskeeda. 

"But in the long term I am not sure what is in store and whether he wants to play Test or not but I think every player has individual preferences and choices and there is something like a comfort zone and we must respect that," he added.