Mushfiqur Rahim retired from T20Is in September 2022 after constant criticism [X.com]
Mushfiqur Rahim holds "no regrets" over his decision to retire from T20Is for Bangladesh two years ago even as the experienced wicketkeeper-batter's great form in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has raised his limited-overs stocks and given way to the question: did he quit the format too early?
As the Bangladeshi stalwart, who plays for the Fortune Barishal, took the franchise to the final of the BPL 2024 in Dhaka with a priceless knock under pressure in Qualifier 2, he was asked if he took the decision to relinquish his T20I duties in haste and could've continued for Bangladesh?
In response, Mushfiqur denied carrying any regrets or an idea to revisit the retirement call, having quit T20Is in September 2022 after the Asia Cup when Bangladesh were preparing for the T20 World Cup in Australia. The right-hand batter was criticised widely for his consistent failings in the format and even had people questioning his spot.
Mushfiqur Holds 'No Regrets' Over T20I Retirement
"No (regrets). You are saying this (my game sense and performance is good) after I played well, no one said that before," Mushfiqur said after playing an invaluable knock of 47 not out off 28 deliveries against Rangpur Riders on Wednesday (February 28).
The 36-year-old indicated it's the criticism and the constant bashing from the fans and the media that pushed him into sealing his fate in the shortest format.
"I just want to ask one question? Did I retire from T20Is on my own wish? Just look at the month before when I retired in T20s and I don't have anything else to say," he added.
Mushfiqur ended his T20I career with 102 matches played and 1,500 runs made at a strike-rate of 115.03. He is currently the fifth highest run-maker of the BPL 2024 with 367 runs collected at a rate of 123.56.