Mushfiqur declines ODI return, says ‘such services wouldn’t be required’

Bangladesh stalwart Mushfiqur Rahim was recently offered the chance to return to One-Day Internationals, after the wicketkeeper-batter retired from the 50-over format last year. Having already stepped away from T20Is earlier, Mushfiqur, who currently only plays Test cricket, confirmed that he has politely declined the proposal.

Speculation had been rife recently about the 39-year-old being brought back to stabilise a struggling middle order in ODIs, though the matter never reached an official stage.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday ahead of their Sylhet Test against Pakistan, Mushfiqur addressed the query, saying: “Regarding what you said about ODI cricket, yes, a proposal did come to me.

“But I believe the Bangladesh team is at a stage now, and where they are headed in the near future, that such services will not be required, Insha’Allah.”

Mushfiqur announced his retirement from ODIs via social media in March 2025. His decision followed a string of low scores in the Champions Trophy, where he was dismissed for single digits in three matches. Amid mounting criticism at the time, he decided not to prolong his career in the format.

He finished his ODI career as Bangladesh’s second-highest run-getter, accumulating 7,795 runs in 274 matches at an average of 36.42. As the first Bangladeshi to play over a hundred Tests, Mushfiqur’s focus now remains solely on the longest format of the game.

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