IPL 2021: Bangladesh Bowler Mustafizur Rehman To Sacrifice IPL For National Duty

IPL 2021: The fast-bowler said “Patriotism comes first for me” when he announced that he will be missing IP 2021L if the dates clash with Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka series.

(File Photo)

At the IPL Auction 2021, Mustafizur was picked by Rajasthan Royals for 1 crore rupees. The Bangladeshi fast-bowler has decided to prioritize national duty overplaying in the IPL. Bangladesh is set to tour Sri Lanka for a two match Test series in April. Although the dates for IPL 14 are yet to be announced, the tentative date is said to be 11 April.

Thus, the Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Test series is clashing with the IPL. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has made it clear that they would provide NOC to any player wanting to play the IPL. Shakib al Hasan will be getting an NOC as he has decided to play for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the upcoming season of the IPL. But Mustafizur Rahman has decided against playing in the IPL.

“I will do what BCB asks me to do. If they keep me in the Test squad, then I will play Tests, and if they [BCB] don't keep me in Test, then they know what I should do. My first priority is to play for my country, and if I am picked in the Test series against Sri Lanka, I will naturally play. If I am not picked then, BCB will tell me that I am not included," Mustafizur told the reporters.

He also said: “If I am given NOC to play in the IPL, then I will play, but patriotism comes first for me”

Mustafizur has so far played 14 Test matches and picked up 30 wickets in those matches.

There has always been a problem about the cricket schedules clashing with the Indian Premier League (IPL) since the inception of the tournament in 2008. In the earlier editions, the cricket boards around the world did not allow their players to miss the international games, but the tables have turned in 2021. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have allowed their players to play in the upcoming season of the IPL. There are mixed reactions about this decision in the cricketing world.