Mashrafe Mortaza, Mushfiqur Rahim, Pakistan, Bangladesh
Mashrafe Mortaza. Credit: Firoz Ahmed

Bangladesh Cricket team have picked a strong 15-member squad under the captainship of Mashrafe Mortaza for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019 in England and Wales. The 35-year-old Mortaza who will turn 39 till the next World Cup, admitted that this is his last marquee event.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh will play a tri-series in Ireland along with Windies to prepare for the World up. As they leave for a month-long tour, Mashrafe Mortaza put a final stamp on the buzzing rumour that this will be his last World Cup. The 205 ODIs veteran clearly said that there are no chances of him playing the next World Cup. Mortaza is currently in his second stint as the Bangladesh skipper and will look to put up an intense fight at the biggest event.

It is not a matter of probably; for sure this is my last World Cup,” Mortaza said in a press conference.

Mashrafe-Mortaza, Bangladesh, ICC World Cup
AFP

No extra preparation

Mashrafe Mortaza has had an outstanding, yet stop-start, stint for Bangladesh since making his debut in 2001. He underwent seven operations on his knees and only became a prominent face in the playing XI in 2014. Since 2014, Bangladesh has had a good period doing well in the 2015 World Cup reaching the quarterfinal stage. They have also defeated India, South Africa, Pakistan and Windies at hope and also reached the semifinal of the Champions Trophy. Mortaza who is currently an elected representative of the government said that he is not doing any special training for the last World Cup.

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The veteran cricketer said that he will try to perform to his best ability will strive to handle the ups and downs.

Asia Cup 2018, Mashrafe Mortaza
Getty Images

There is no reason for that to make me take any extra preparations,” Mortaza said. “That is an extra pressure. I will try to perform as a player and as a captain. That is important. Nothing is impossible, but it will be very important for us to handle the ups and downs,” he added.

Bangladesh will start their World Cup campaign against South Africa on June 2 at the Oval.

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