Teammates bid emotional farewell on Mushfiqur’s departure from ODI cricket

Mushfiqur Rahim announced his retirement from T20 Internationals two and a half years ago on social media. The seasoned wicketkeeper-batsman now bid adieu to ODIs in the same manner.

His teammates took to social media to share their feelings about his retirement and wish him luck for the days ahead.

Mushfiqur, who will continue playing Tests, has played a total of 82 ODIs with Mashrafe Mortaza as skipper during the course of his 19-year career. They played together for a long time before and after Mashrafe's captaincy as well.

"When you announced your departure, many things flashed in front of my eyes. We’ve been walking together for so many years, with numerous memories on and off the field! Your record in ODIs will speak volumes for you," Mashrafe wrote on social media.

Mashrafe, the Tigers’ most successful ODI captain, wished Mushfiqur best of luck after his departure from the illustrious form of the game.

Mushfiqur and Tamim Iqbal's friendship is famous in cricket circles. Long before they joined the national team, the two began their career together in youth cricket.

Tamim recalled his bond with Mushfiqur, which spanned nearly two decades on and off the pitch.

In a video posted on Facebook, he said: “Mushfiq - I just wanna tell you buddy that I started playing with you from the under-15. I've seen you grow with every step, witnessing how you transformed from an average batsman to being Bangladesh's best.”

“Many may not have had the opportunity to see his diligence… I’ve seen how hard he can work as we played together. He’s done as much as a person can do and he still is doing it. We often laugh about it—why would someone go through so much pain? But his dedication, his love for the game, is limitless. I’ll never be able to explain this to anyone," said Tamim.

Mushfiqur is only six Tests away from playing his 100th match.

Tamim hopes that his beloved friend will complete this milestone. "You'll continue to play Test cricket, and I hope you perform well. I hope you'll play at least 100 Tests, something no Bangladeshi cricketer has done. I really hope you can play the 100th test," he said.

Mushfiqur is now playing in the Dhaka Premier League for Mohammedan Sporting Club, which is captained by Tamim. Tamim, in the video clip, said he was delighted to be able to play domestic cricket with his teammate for a few more days.

Mahmudullah, another veteran cricketer, described Mushfiqur as a valuable asset to the country's cricket in a post.

“Dear Mushfiq, congratulations on your fabulous ODI career. I still remember the hundred you got with broken ribs against Sri Lanka in Dubai. That shows the respect you have for your game, your dedication & hard working mentality to perform at the highest level & it will always inspire any cricketer. No doubt you are a gem of Bangladesh cricket. Best wishes for your red ball journey,” he wrote on Facebook.

Nazmul Hossain Shanto captained Mushfiqur's final ODI match. He believes that Mushfiqur's contribution to Bangladesh cricket will be remembered forever.

“Thank you for INSPIRING a million of us dear Mushfiq bhai. A true team man, your dedication to the game has been a role model to us and will inspire generations to come in Bangladesh cricket. Bangladesh cricket will never forget your contribution”, said Shanto.

According to Taskin Ahmed, the national team's lead pacer, it is tough to imagine Bangladesh playing ODIs without Mushfiqur.

His post read: “End of an era! Mushy Bhai, it’s hard to imagine Bangladesh ODI cricket without you. Your passion, dedication and fighting spirit have been an inspiration to us all. It’s been an honour sharing the field with you and learning from you. Wishing you the best for the next chapter—your legacy will live on forever!”

Soumya Sarkar expressed gratitude to Mushfiq in a short message. “Will cherish the memories we spent in the Bangladesh dressing room. Thank you for service to Bangladesh cricket,” he said.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Nurul Hasan Sohan wished Mushfiqur all the best for the days ahead, writing: “Thank you, Mushfiqur Rahim bhai, for all the incredible memories in ODI cricket. You’ve been a match-winner like no other in this format. Wishing you continued success in the Test arena!”

Taijul Islam made his ODI debut under Mushfiqur's captaincy in 2014. Recalling that memory, the left-arm spinner wrote a farewell message.

"Dear Mushy Bhai, my journey wearing the national jersey started with your captaincy. No matter how long it lasted, the accomplishment we made together will live on in our memories forever. You have made significant contributions to Bangladesh cricket. It's difficult to believe that you won't be seen in national colours again," he said.

Tawhid Hridoy was raised in Bogura, just like Mushfiqur. Following in the footsteps of his precursor from the same district, he turned to cricket.

“From standing on the Bogura stadium gates hoping to see you as a child, to receiving the One-day International cap from you and sharing the same dressing room – it’s nothing short of a fairy tale for me!” he wrote in a post on Facebook.

“Though I am speechless, shocked, still happy retirement my idol Mushfiqur Rahim. I will miss you more than anyone and anything,” he wrote.

Jaker Ali wrote in a short message, “I will miss you dearly, brother.”

Left-handed opener Tanzid Hasan wished him well in the future and highlighted that playing with Mushfiqur was a significant cricketing accomplishment for him.

He wrote: “Growing up watching you on the TV screen as a child, developing a passion for cricket and eventually sharing the national team dressing room with you is a huge achievement for me. Thanks for everything dear Mushfiqur Rahim Bhai.”

Left-arm seamer Shoriful Islam said he would miss Mushfiqur's instructions from behind the wicket.

"Best wishes on retirement, Mushfiq Bhai. You are an inspiration for me. I'll miss the moments when I'm at the bowling end and you're at the keeping end. The way you guided us at those times was incredible."

Leg spinner Rishad Hossain said that he will share his experience of playing with Mushfiqur with future generations of cricketers.

He said, “Motivation is just as important as skills in the field, since it has a big impact on the game. For emerging players, your ability to uplift, support, and mentor us from behind the stumps or off strike is like a healing force. I had the privilege of playing with you on the same team for a short time in your 19-year career. But what I learnt from you, I will definitely share with our juniors in the future."