Despite shining in Debut match with the Chennai Super Kings jersey, Mustafizur Rahman’s time in this year’s IPL is not going to last long. He will soon be returning to the country. The cricket board has instructed the cutter master to be present at the national team’s camp for the Zimbabwe series.
Although there could have been opportunities for him to play the remaining matches of the IPL, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has decided not to allow him to play further due to injury concerns.
Despite starting the season with a bang, there were questions about whether Chennai would utilize Mustafizur’s services throughout the season. Although the Bangladesh Cricket Board had allowed this pacer to take a break until the Zimbabwe series, his IPL future is now uncertain with the series being scheduled as part of the World Cup preparations.
Even though official announcements have not been made, this year’s IPL final will be held in the last week of May. The playoffs will take place in mid-May. On the other hand, Bangladesh will start their first T20 match against Zimbabwe on May 3 after returning from April 28. However, preparations will start even earlier. The series will end with the final match in Mirpur on May 12.
So what’s next for Mustafizur in the IPL? According to BCB sources, the cutter master has been instructed to join the national team before the Zimbabwe series. However, the team management will rest this pacer and let him play with a fresh mind in the five-match series. Mainly due to workload management, Bangladesh does not want to risk the important member of the team.
Even after the end of the Zimbabwe series on May 12, there might be a chance for Fizz to return to the IPL. However, BCB has different considerations. With just 10 days left before leaving for the World Cup, players are instructed to take complete rest. So, despite having the opportunity, there is no guarantee of Mustafizur’s return to the IPL.
However, BCB could take a different way with Mustafizur. One, he could strengthen the weak opposition on the home ground. Secondly, being part of the World Cup preparation could offer them a platform to prove themselves. On the other hand, the cutter master would get more competitive cricketing opportunities.
