Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim’s friendship started from age-based cricket. Later, their closeness grew further after a long journey together in the national team. Tamim retired from international cricket a few days ago. After T20, Mushfiqur announced his retirement from ODIs. The Tiger opener paid tribute to his dear friend in a video message.
In a video message on his Facebook page, Tamim said, “Today, a person with whom I have been on a journey for almost 20 or 25 years retired. I will not be able to convince people that my feelings are for him by coming up with a status.” Regarding Mushfiqur’s retirement, Tamim said, “You all know that Mushfiqur retired from the ODI format a while ago. All I can say to Mushfiqur is that I started playing with you from the Under-15 level. How can a boy suffer so much? I think he has done everything that is possible for a human being to suffer.”
Regarding Mushfiqur’s dedication to the game, Tamim said, “We often laugh about how he works so hard or his dedication to the game, love. I will never be able to explain it in words. How difficult it is for him to give up the game today, since I am a close friend of his, I can feel this thing. That it is very difficult for him. As a cricketer in one format, I would expect that you will definitely play your 100th Test.” Earlier, Mushfiqur, who played 274 one-day matches in a 19-year-long career after making his ODI debut in 2006, announced his retirement in a post on his verified Facebook page, writing, “Today I am announcing my retirement from the ODI format. Alhamdulillah for everything. Although our achievements may be limited when thinking globally. But it is certain that whenever I stepped on the field for my country, I played with more than 100% with dedication and honesty.
Pointing to the poor form and the team’s dismal performance in the Champions Trophy, Mushfiqur further wrote, “The last few weeks have been very challenging for me and I have realised that this is my destiny.”
Finally, Mushfiqur also quoted a verse from the Holy Quran. He wrote, “Allah says in the Quran: ”He honors whom He wills and humiliates whom He wills.” (Surah Al Imran, 3:26). May Allah Almighty forgive us and grant everyone the right faith. Finally, I express my deep gratitude to my family, friends and my fans, for whom I have played cricket for the past 19 years.”
