Dhaka: Bangladesh’s veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim, who reached the rare milestone of scoring a century in his 100th Test, expressed his desire to celebrate this landmark achievement only after winning the second and final Test against Ireland. “In every match I try to give my best effort and contribute as much as I can to the team’s winning cause,” Mushfiqur stated after Day 2 of the Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Mushfiqur emphasized that the team’s success should always take precedence over any personal achievements. He remarked, “For Bangladesh, I am just a drop of water in a huge ocean. My name doesn’t matter – Bangladesh comes first. I want to send that message: play for the country, not for yourself.”
Mushfiqur further noted that winning the match would be the greatest gift for him, regardless of his personal performance. He expressed his gratitude, saying, “Alhamdulillah, I could contribute something, and I hope we can win and celebrate more, Insha’Allah.”
Reflecting on his career, Mushfiqur admitted it feels “unbelievable” to have reached 100 Tests, considering how infrequently Bangladesh plays the longest format. He highlighted the significance of this milestone not just for himself, but for any cricketer from any country.
Additionally, Mushfiqur acknowledged that reaching this milestone has increased his responsibility to inspire the next generation of cricketers to value Test cricket. He expressed his commitment to reflecting this responsibility on the field and hoped to leave behind a legacy for future players.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) honored Mushfiqur with a special programme on the eve of his 100th Test, which he deeply appreciated. He conveyed his gratitude towards the BCB for their gesture, noting that such recognition is a significant source of inspiration for him and other cricketers. Mushfiqur hopes that this will encourage many Bangladesh players to aspire to play 100 Tests or at least dream of playing Test cricket.