The retirement issue of Bangladesh Cricket captain Mashrafe from T20 international format is taking new dimensions as more and more pieces of evidence revealing the circumstances which led Mashrafe to take the surprising decision.

Players come players go. No one remains indispensable for anything for ever. It was a matter of time Mashrafe would have retired. But the sudden announcement from the most popular sports personality of the country during toss of the first T20I match in the recent series against Sri Lanka had enough hints that he was forced into it. Mashrafe type personality would not have deprived his fans and followings biding him bye at his home ground.

It now appears that it was Head coach Hathurusingha who started the process of letting Mashrafe know that he was no longer in the favor of team management for continuing as captain of T20 format. Team Manager Khaled Mahmud agreed with the head coach. These two having direct access to BCB president took the decision for asking Mashrafe stepping down. Once these three made up the mind, Director (Cricket Operations) and selection committee had nothing doing.

Mashrafe is by far the best cricket captain of Bangladesh. On his playing quality alone he is an automatic choice in ODI and T20 format and as a leader he is unparallel. It is his dynamic exemplary leadership that has made Bangladesh a formidable force in ODI. Bangladesh, however, did not do well in T20 and lost eight matches on the trot. With a little bit of luck, the result of at least four matches could go either way. But Mashrafe leadership cannot be blamed for this. Yet, he was blamed for this and head coach wanted to get rid of him.

There were gossips for a while that head coach was not having good relation with any of the senior players for a while. He was also enjoying unlimited power and authority in team selection and appeared to have no accountability to anyone other than BCB President. For his likings and disliking the career of few players like Nasir Hossain, Al-Amin, Anamul, Jubair Hossain Likhon and may be even Rubel and Mominul Haque have almost gone to the brink. Rumour goes that he had issues with Shakib, Tamim, Mahmudullah, and Mushfique. Mashrafe like personality could not bear with these.

Mashrafe was put under pressure before he joined the team in Sri Lanka this time. In team meeting, he was told that his bowling was not looking as penetrative as ever though he was one of the most successful bowlers in all matches those Bangladesh played under his captaincy. Mashrafe definitely did not like maltreatment done with Mahmudullah, Rubel, and Mominul during the tour in Sri Lanka. He raised all these issues honestly to BCB President on the night before the first T20 where among others Shakib, Tamim, and Mushfique were also present. The seniors were told for their performance no one would be axing them from the team. But they should plan their own exit. It was also told that BCB wants three different captains for three formats. A smart person like Mashrafe got the signal and for avoiding further embarrassment he announced his retirement from the T20 format the very next morning at the toss.

Right from that moment fans, followers and admirers of Mashrafe started a massive campaign against it in social media, print media and whatever outlet possible. The body language of Bangladesh players showed the shock and awe of his team mates in the first T20. His mates in twitter and Facebook expressed their shocked feelings. They, however, committed their best for winning the last match for their loving captain. The retirement issue of Mashrafe became the talk of the country. Media reports also suggested that even Prime Minister Hasina also requested Mashrafe reviewing the decision.

The team returned to Dhaka but the coaching staff went on leave despite a very important tour and a busy schedule not remaining very far. During informal press meet at Dhaka Airport, BCB President mentioned, “I cannot understand why there is so much noise for a captain retiring from a T20 format.”
According to him Mashrafe only retired as the captain. He was still available for playing and if the team needs him they won’t let him go. What a cruel joke! The player whose presence in the dressing room makes the team a family, the captain whose announcement of retirement makes his mates cry and commit more than 100% to win for him a match as farewell gift definitely does not deserve such a treatment.

Mashrafe plays with badly battered knees following his seven major surgeries being one and the only person to do that. But he still performs as a leading bowler, fields with agility and leads the team from the front. It is a wishful thinking that he will play in a team where he is not the captain. Moreover, the attitude of the team management was revealed that the three senior players including Mashrafe were not in the planning for the T20.

Finally, another statement from team manager Khaled Mahmud clarified the matter. He said, BCB only told him to retire as a captain but the retirement from T20 altogether was Mashrafe’s own choice. It sounded childish.

In all countries, a duly appointed selection committee selects the squad. The team management, usually the captain and the coach, selects the playing eleven. Team Manager has nothing to do with the match at all excepting the administrative and logistics. Bangladesh is the unique exception where head coach and Manager are the most important part of the team selection process. Many would not disagree with me if I say they select and get approved by BCB president and get stamped by the selection committee. Consequently, players get chopped and changed. No sensible captain or senior player can continue playing in such environment for a long time. Body languages of Tamim, Shakib, Mushfique and Mahmudullah suggest that they are also not comfortable.

The above-mentioned situation must be looked into and remedied before the team leaves for England for Triangular series and ICC Champions Trophy. Mashrafe is still the ODI captain. BCB owes an explanation. Team management must be changed before more damage is done.

BDST: 1205 HRS, APR 11, 2017
SR