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An example of patriotism


Published : 24 Feb 2021 10:07 PM | Updated : 25 Feb 2021 01:06 AM

Money can’t buy the love for country. Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman, world’s renowned pacer and cutter master, has proved it once again as he has prioritised Tests over IPL, if selected. Mustafizur Rahman on Tuesday said he is willing to skip the upcoming Indian Premier League for national duty and be available for next month’s Test series against Sri Lanka.

Mustafizur was roped in by Rajasthan Royals for his base price of 1 crore rupees in this year's auction. One crore rupees is definitely a good amount of money but not enough to tempt Mustafizur Rahman to leave the jersey of the national team.

Everyone greeted Fizz and appreciated his brave decision. As a cricket loving nation all Bangladeshis want to see the best players playing for the country. The love for the country is crystal clear from Mustafizur’s statement where he said, “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. At that point, if I am given NOC to play in the IPL then I will play but patriotism comes first for me.”

The BCB has already given NOC to all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who will turn out for Kolkata Knight Riders in the upcoming IPL.

A nineteen-year-old Mustafizur Rahman grabbed attention during India's tour of Bangladesh (June 2015) when he became the second bowler in ODI history after Zimbabwe's Brian Vitori to pick up two five-wicket hauls in his first two matches. In fact, he is the only bowler to take a total of 11 wickets in his first two games. In his 3rd ODI against India, he took 2 wickets and made history by taking 13 wickets in a 3-match ODI series.

All should respect this Tiger and follow him as an idol. Other cricketers of our country have a lot to learn from him.