Mushfiqur rules out ODI return

Mushfiqur Rahim has ruled out reversing his ODI retirement, despite a request from the BCB to consider a comeback for the 2027 ICC World Cup in South Africa.

"I think that yes, obviously the message came to me (about returning to ODI cricket) but I think that the Bangladesh team is at such a stage now and will go to such a stage in the future that my service will not be required (in ODIs)," Mushfiqur told reporters at Sylhet on Friday.

On Nahid Rana

Mushfiqur said he is not surprised by Nahid Rana's rise, having seen him closely in domestic cricket.

"Rana has been playing cricket for many years. Test cricket may be new to him, but he is playing first-class cricket, national team cricket… I have known him since first-class days," said Mushfiqur.

"I played for Sylhet for the last two years… but when I last played for Rajshahi that's when I saw Nahid Rana and saw him up close… from then on, I liked him very much and knew that InshaAllah, he will definitely play for the national team in the future. His desire to improve himself is very rare in any young player."

On Sylhet pitch and weather

Mushfiqur said the Sylhet wicket would be batting friendly but added that weather might be a spoiler in the second Test.

"I think the weather is a bigger challenge than your wicket… Sylhet has always had a very nice batting wicket," he noted.

On Test cricket and Australia tour

Mushfiqur, who earlier retired from white-ball cricket, said he hasn't made up his mind about retiring from Tests and is eagerly awaiting the Test series in Australia. Bangladesh tour Australia in August 2026 for a two-Test series, their first Test tour there in 18 years.

"I have this desire to spend as many days on the field as I can while I am alive. I haven't decided whether I will quit now or when… But, Insha Allah, I will quit when I am having a good time," he said.

"Obviously it is a big dream to go to Australia and play a Test against Australia."