Mashrafe Mortaza To Retire After World Cup? Bangladesh Captain Answers

Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza has insisted he would not retire at the end of the ongoing World Cup. The veteran pacer has looked like a pale shadow of his usual self in the ongoing tournament mainly because of his poor fitness. While his captaincy has been very commendable, his displays with the ball has left a lot to be desired.

Mortaza, in fact, has never really talked about retiring from the ODIs anytime soon although the speculations are rife over the same. What has strengthened those speculations is his association with politics. Earlier this year, he became a member of the Bangladesh parliament. The move in politics and his constant struggles with injuries have made many speculate that he would retire soon.

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However, Mortaza has quashed those speculations, saying that he would not hang his boost after the World Cup. At the same time, he also made it clear that the ongoing edition is his last World Cup.

“This is certainly my last World Cup, however I won’t retire after the tournament,” Mortaza told ESPNcricinfo. “I would prefer not to consider it right now, particularly with the competition still in advancement. It is a diversion. People become emotional during these occasions.”

Mortaza, however, said that he would not hesitate in retiring if the Bangladesh Cricket Board asks him to do so, saying: “But if there’s a guidance from the board, I should consider it.”

Mortaza’s form in the World Cup is a big worry for the Tigers. So far, he has taken just one wicket in 6 matches at a poor average of 279.00. His displays with the ball is one of the reasons behind Bangladesh’s poor performance with the ball.

Unlike most of the bowlers, the batsmen are in good form and it has helped Bangladesh stay in hunt for the semifinals. The Tigers will take on India and Pakistan in their remaining two league games.