Mushfiqur Rahim announced his retirement from T20I cricket on Sunday (September 4), after Bangladesh’s early exit from the ongoing Asia Cup 2022. He became the second big name from Bangladesh to retire from T20Is this year after Tamim Iqbal.
The 35-year-old announced his decision on Twitter, saying he decided to quit T20I cricket in order to focus on Test and ODI cricket. However, Rahim said he would be available to play in domestic franchise cricket worldwide if the opportunity comes.
Notably, Mushfiqur could manage only 4 and 1 during Bangladesh’s two defeats against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka in the group matches, as the Tigers exited early from the ongoing Asia Cup 2022.
During these matches, he also dropped catches while keeping wickets, which eventually put his place in the team in doubt.
Mushfiqur wrote on Twitter: “I would like to announce my retirement from T20 INTERNATIONALS and focus on Test and ODI formats of the game. I will be available to play in franchise leagues when the opportunity arrives. Looking forward to proudly representing my nation in the two formats.”
Mushfiqur ended his career as Bangladesh's fourth-highest run-getter in T20I cricket. He has 1,500 runs at an average of 19.23 in 102 T20I matches. He slammed six fifties, with the best score of 72* against India in the shorter format of the game.
