Mushfiqur Rahim Reveals the Reason of His Refusal to Tour Pakistan

Experienced Bangladesh wicket-keeper batsman Mushfiqur Rahim on Friday (January 17) opted out from their upcoming series against Pakistan due to the security concerns. He made himself unavailable to tour to Pakistan which included three T20Is, two Tests, and one-off ODI.

However, he has officially informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) his decision and the board also accepted his request. Even, he also revealed the reason behind his refusal to travel Pakistan, citing his family is afraid because of the security condition there.

Surprisingly, last year Sri Lanka cricketers have refused to travel to Pakistan for limited-overs series. Sri Lanka sent a rather inexperienced side there for the series. However, this started way back in 2009 when the Sri Lankan team had come down to Pakistan and a terror attack took place near Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

The players were on their way to play the third day of the second Test against Pakistan. Six players were wounded while six Pakistani policemen and two civilians were killed in that horrifying attack. Since then, most of the big teams refuse to travel there.

Mushfiqur Rahim reveals the reason behind his refusal

He explained to the media on Friday, “I have already informed Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) that I am not going to Pakistan for the upcoming series. I have submitted an official letter, and BCB accepted that. Not just T20Is, I am unavailable for the entire series.”

He further continued, “My family is afraid of the security condition of Pakistan. In this situation, I can’t go to Pakistan and play cricket there. It is always tough for me to sit down from a series of Bangladesh national team. My family is not permitting me to go to Pakistan. Cricket is not bigger than life.”

However, he also said that the security situation in Pakistan has improved a lot from before and he would love to visit there in future after the situation gets better. He shared that he rejected Pakistan Super League (PSL) offer because the league will take place in Pakistan for the first time.

However, Mushfiqur Rahim shared that he went there in 2008 for a series. He added Pakistan is a beautiful place to play cricket. Even the wickets help the batsman as well. Moreover, he wished the players to do well there. Mushfiqur said the series is an opportunity for the youngsters and Pakistan will give a tough fight at home as well.