Mashrafe also feels that his game is not ideal

After a 250-day hiatus, Mashrafe bin Mortuza made a comeback for Sylhet Strikers on January 19, acknowledging that his fitness level was not ideal for the match. Former cricketers Mohammad Ashraful and Russell Arnold, however, expressed differing opinions on Mashrafe's participation, with Mashrafe himself agreeing that his performance was not up to par.

SBS Desk

January 23, 2024

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Mashrafe also feels that his game is not ideal

During a press conference following the team's defeat on Tuesday, Mashrafe admitted, "I said it. All things cannot always be explained. Certainly not what I thought was the ideal situation." He emphasized that while he might not have been in the best condition, the team's decisions and performance were collective and should be viewed as such.

Regarding his physical condition, Mashrafe mentioned, "Everything is fine with me. Only the knee is the problem, which is very good but suffering now."

Contrary to Mashrafe's acceptance of his suboptimal condition, former captain Mohammad Ashraful expressed reservations about Mashrafe's fitness for BPL. Ashraful believes that while Mashrafe is an exceptional leader who understands the game well, his effectiveness is compromised when he is not performing at his best. He raised concerns about Mashrafe's eight-month hiatus and questioned his commitment to practice during that period.

Ashraful criticized the decision to include Mashrafe in the playing XI, suggesting that it is outside the logical framework of cricket. He expressed worries that such decisions could be detrimental to the overall quality of the tournament and hinder opportunities for emerging players.

In conclusion, opinions on Mashrafe's participation in the BPL remain divided, with the player himself acknowledging his less-than-ideal form, while some former cricketers voice concerns about the impact on the team and the tournament as a whole.