Mushfiqur Rahim‘s speech did not last even a minute. He had a long list of gratitude in his mind. He started with everyone present; his parents, wife, coach, teammates, and his fans were also in the thank you list.
Throughout that gratitude session, he had a smile on his face. There was emotion, but it was restrained. Mushfiqur’s last words seemed to be a reflection of his 20-year career, ‘I wish you all the best for the future of Bangladesh cricket. I will also give a hundred percent for Bangladesh cricket, as I always try.’
Mushfiqur is playing his 100th Test today as the first cricketer from Bangladesh. A festive atmosphere was created around him yesterday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. Mushfiqur left the dressing room with his teammates in the same atmosphere.
Today, on the first day of the Mirpur Test against Ireland, the arrangements around him began in front of a small table arranged on the field. Some spectators in the gallery then appeared for Mushfiqur wearing the same color jersey. Mushfiqur’s family members and former teammates were present on the stage.
The event started with Habibul Bashar, the captain of Mushfiqur Rahim’s debut Test. Habibul gave him a special cap before the 100th Test today. The then captain also gave him a cap in the debut Test.
Among the 11 cricketers who played in Bangladesh’s debut Test, Akram Khan was the first Test cricketer due to his initials. He also presented Mushfiqur with a special cap. He was presented with a special crest by the current BCB president and centurion in the debut Test Aminul Islam and head of the BCB cricket management department Nazmul Abedin.
The signed jerseys of Mushfiqur’s first and 100th Test teammates were presented by Nazmul, the captain of the 100th Test, and Habibul, the captain of the debut Test. After the entire event, Bangladesh captain Nazmul gave a short message for Mushfiqur. He said, “Congratulations, Mushfiqur bhai. This is a proud moment for you and your family. We have followed you since childhood, inspired by you. I hope you continue the hard work you put in on and off the field. The important thing for me is that you always play for the team. You think about the team, not yourself.”
