08 Jun 2021

Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim has informed the selectors that he wishes to opt-out of the T20I series against Zimbabwe next month.

"Mushfiq has requested for a break during the T20Is, but he is available for the Test and ODIs. I think he may be tired after playing for so long, which is why he wants the leave. We will decide once he officially informs the cricket operations department," ESPNcricinfo quoted chief selector Minhajul Abedin.

However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) hasn't approved his request yet, but in recent months, they have understood the strain placed on players by bubble life.

As per the report in ESPNcricinfo, Bangladesh will be in Zimbabwe from June 29 to July 28. They will play a one-off Test, three ODIs, and three T20Is. July 23, 25, and 27 are likely to be the dates for the T20Is.

Once Bangladesh returns home from Zimbabwe, they are scheduled to play five T20Is against Australia. New Zealand are supposed to arrive in September to play a T20I series, and England are slated for three T20Is and three ODIs in October, which will be followed by the T20 World Cup.

This is not the first time when Rahim has requested a break. Earlier in 2020, he skipped the Pakistan tour, citing safety concerns.

Rahim played a crucial role in Bangladesh's ODI triumph over Sri Lanka. Bangladesh won the series 2-1. The wicketkeeper-batsman scored 237 runs in the series, including a century.