Mortaza also suggested few names for the role.
Mashrafe Mortaza has finally announced his resignation as Bangladesh's One Day International (ODI) captain on Thursday (March 5), as the veteran cricketer has confirmed that he will step down at the end of the ongoing home series against Zimbabwe.
Mortaza, who has an unparalleled record as Bangladesh’s ODI captain, leading the Tigers to 49 ODI wins off 87 games, will lead the side for the last time on Friday, March 6.
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The 36-year-old has claimed that the decision was not pre-planned while terming it as a professional decision taken the overnight before the third and final ODI against Zimbabwe on Friday in Sylhet.
The pacer also feels it was the right time to relive the long-standing ODI captaincy keeping an eye on building a team for the 2023 World Cup.
Mortaza told ESPNCricinfo on Thursday, “I didn't think for too long. Everyone on the outside though it is the right time to bring a new captain keeping the 2023 World Cup in mind. I decided this morning that this is enough. Till yesterday, I hadn't taken this decision.”
He continued, “I took a professional decision, so I would hope those who take the decision on the next captain, also take a professional decision. The new captain should be given enough time.”
The veteran also hopes that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) would allow the new skipper to continue at least the next World Cup in 2023.
He further added, “I would hope that they remain strict with their decision, that the captain announced now will be our 2023 captain. It shouldn’t be like the captain gets changed less than a year before the World Cup. It has happened a lot in Bangladesh.”
Mortaza also believes the BCB should hand over the captaincy to the experienced players who can handle the pressure of the international stage, suggesting names like Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah or Tamim Iqbal who can take over as ODI captain.
He signed off by saying, “It will sound harsh but for a young player, playing for Bangladesh is enough pressure. Things have changed. Everyone notices these days; there's also the media and camera. Those who have played for more than ten years, they know how to handle the media. They can take outside pressure. My opinion is that the captaincy should go to someone who has done it before.”
(With ESPNCricinfo Inputs)