In the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League 2024 (BPL 2024), Fortune Barishal’s Mushfiqur Rahim expressed bewilderment at the booing received by skipper Tamim Iqbal and Rangpur Riders’ star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan from their own fans. Despite the instances of displeasure, the second qualifier match witnessed Tamim’s side securing a six-wicket victory against Rangpur, advancing to the final.
The Shakib versus Tamim clash in the qualifier fueled anticipation, yet it was ‘Mr Dependable’ Mushfiqur Rahim who emerged as the standout performer, guiding Barishal to victory with a steady 47 off 38 balls.
BPL 2024: Mushfiqur Rahim in shock
Post-match, Mushfiqur Rahim addressed the fans’ reactions, deeming it ‘unethical’ to jeer at players of Shakib and Tamim’s stature. He expressed disbelief that such accomplished contributors to Bangladesh cricket had to endure such treatment.
“To be honest, it’s unethical to even question their commitment as whatever they have given to Bangladesh cricket and will give in the future is unparalleled. If players like Shakib and Tamim had to hear boos, then we should dig down and bury ourselves in the ground. I don’t know how players like them had to face such a thing,” Mushfiqur stated in the post-match press conference in BPL 2024.
Reverse fixture add spice
The reverse fixture between Barishal and Rangpur added spice to the tournament, featuring Shakib taking Tamim’s wicket and a subsequent mimicked celebration. When asked about the intense rivalry, Mushfiqur Rahim highlighted that such battles create a relaxed environment for others, allowing them to focus on their own game.
“In big matches such as this, if someone takes away the limelight, it makes us relaxed. As they will focus on fighting each other, we will play our own game and go easy. Honestly, I saw both of them very relaxed, and I think they know how big of a contributor they are for their teams. I think both of them are the legends of Bangladesh cricket,” Mushfiqur concluded.
