Mushfiqur Rahim declines ODI return offer

Bangladesh's legendary wicket-keeper batter Mushfiqur Rahim has confirmed that he turned down an offer to return to One-Day Internationals (ODIs), saying he believes the national team no longer requires his services in the format.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday (May 15) ahead of Bangladesh’s Test match against Pakistan in Sylhet, the experienced wicketkeeper-batter acknowledged receiving a proposal to reconsider his ODI retirement.

“Yes, a proposal did come to me. But I believe the Bangladesh team is now at a stage, and heading in a direction, where such services will not be required, Insha’Allah,” Mushfiqur said.

Speculation had recently grown over a possible comeback for the 39-year-old amid Bangladesh’s struggles in the ODI middle order, although no official announcement was made.

Mushfiqur retired from ODI cricket in March 2025 after a disappointing ICC Champions Trophy campaign, where he managed only single-digit scores in three matches.

He ended his ODI career as Bangladesh’s second-highest run-scorer, amassing 7,795 runs in 274 matches at an average of 36.42.

Having already retired from T20 internationals, Mushfiqur is now focused solely on Test cricket, where he remains one of Bangladesh’s most experienced players and the country’s first cricketer to play more than 100 Tests.