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Mushfiqur Rahim (Source - Twitter)
Bangladesh's star cricketer, Mushfiqur Rahim, emphasised the significance of integrating experienced players with youthful potential in the T20 format to help game-taking at the epitome of the level. Notably, Mushfiqur's squad, who currently plays for Fortune Barishal of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), qualified for the final after defeating Rangpur Riders by a decisive six wickets in the second qualifier on Wednesday.
However, Mushfiqur Rahim feels that people have the wrong concept about the inclusion of young players in the T20 format. The wicketkeeper batter highlighted the importance of experienced players in the team, with some youngsters winning the matches. In addition, the 36-year-old cricketer also cites the example by asserting a few names of his teammates.
"Didn't you say before the tournament that Barishal is the 'team of the old'? Didn't you say that T20s can't be won with experience? I think this is the wrong concept. You need experience in every format. New players will come, and the older ones will go, but they will combine well to build the team. We want to leave a legacy, and we want the likes of [Towhid] Hridoy and Tamim [Tanzid Hasan] to leave a legacy when they become senior players [for Bangladesh]. It is supposed to be smooth sailing," Mushfiqur Rahim said, as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.
I think the criteria should be fitness and performance: Mushfiqur Rahim
Mushfiqur Rahim reveals that he sees this act by the Bangladesh cricket team as criticism, not motivation. Moreover, the stylish right-handed batter feels that players should be judged by their physical abilities but not by their age to be on the team.
"It [the criticism] doesn't motivate me. It hurts me. I can guarantee you that I am better than most players in terms of fitness. I can write it down. More than age, I think the criteria should be fitness and performance. Age is just a number," he added further.