Mushfiqur Rahim announces retirement from T20Is, will continue to play Tests and ODIs

Mushfiqur Rahim (Image Source: Twitter)

Mushfiqur Rahim, Bangladesh's wicketkeeper, will hang up his boots from the shortest format of the game. The keeper-batter took it to Twitter to announce his retirement from the T20I format to focus on longer formats. The 35-year-old played his last T20I against Sri Lanka on Thursday (1st September 2022) and the team has been knocked out of the Asia Cup 2022.

Although the batter has not been at his best in the shorter format, he continued to be an integral part of the team. The 35-year-old cleared that he would continue to play in the domestic leagues if an opportunity arises.

"I would like to announce my retirement from T20 INTERNATIONALS and focus on Test and ODI formats of the game. I will be available to play franchise leagues when the opportunity arrives. Looking forward to proudly represent my nation in the two formats-MR15," he tweeted.

I would like to announce my retirement from T20 INTERNATIONALS and focus on Test and ODI formats of the game. I will be available to play franchise leagues when the opportunity arrives. Looking forward to proudly represent my nation in the two formats-MR15

— Mushfiqur Rahim (@mushfiqur15) September 4, 2022

Mushfiqur Rahim's T20I career:

The wicketkeeper was no less than a legend for the Bangladesh team in international cricket. However, he did not have a flourishing career in T20Is. It is to be noted that the Bangladesh star batter was not considered in the Indian T20 League and went unsold several times.

Rahim has represented the Bangla tigers in 100 T20I matches and has amassed a total of 1,495 runs. He averages 19.93 in the format and has six fifties to his name. The wicketkeeper's top score in the format is 72 and has taken 42 catches as the wicketkeeper. He also has 29 stumpings to his name in the shortest format of the game.

Considered a legend in his nation, fans might miss him in the shorter format. But with this retirement, he also gets to play freely in the T20 domestic. As a result of which, he might end up getting an opportunity in the Indian T20 League. The 35-year-old might also play in a lot of leagues around the world, and it might be beneficial for him.

As it stands, he will continue to represent Bangladesh in the ODI and Test format.