Mushfiqur Rahim, the most seasoned ODI player and senior cricketer for Bangladesh, has formally declared his retirement from the One Day International (ODI) format. A week after Bangladesh’s dismal Champions Trophy campaign, in which they failed to win a single match, the 36-year-old made the news on his Facebook page.
The Prominent Career of Mushfiqur Rahim in ODI
Mushfiqur Rahim finishes his ODI career with 7,795 runs at an average of 36.42 in 274 games, ranking him as Bangladesh’s second-highest run scorer. He has nine hundred and forty-nine half-centuries in his impressive record. He is one of just five wicketkeepers who have played in more than 250 One-Day Internationals. He is now fourth among wicketkeepers with seven hundreds, after cricketing greats MS Dhoni, Adam Gilchrist, and Kumar Sangakkara.
Mushfiqur Rahim has announced his retirement from ODI cricket.
– A legend for Bangladesh cricket! 👏 pic.twitter.com/CD2Zz1KX2U
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 5, 2025
Recent Form and Retirement Decision
Mushfiqur’s recent performances were criticized, particularly his lack of memorable scoring at the 2025 Champions Trophy. He only scored two runs against New Zealand and had a golden duck against India. In March 2024, he scored his final ODI fifty against Sri Lanka. His rhythm was further disturbed by injuries, which prevented him from playing in crucial series against Afghanistan and the West Indies.
A legendary ODI career…………. Another Champion #retired
Mushfiqur Rahim has announced his retirement from ODI cricket. – A legend for #Bangladesh cricket!He is also known as Mr Dependable ! A symbol of resilience and determination.
Mushfiqur Rahim in ODI cricket:… pic.twitter.com/3LCTLdfUk0
— colourfulindia (@colourfulind) March 6, 2025
Mushfiqur posted the following on Facebook to announce his decision:
“I am announcing my retirement from the ODI format as of today. Alhamdulillah for everything. While our achievements may have been limited on a global level, one thing is certain: whenever I stepped onto the field for my country, I gave more than 100% with dedication and honesty. The last few weeks have been very challenging for me, and I have come to realise that this is my destiny.”
In addition, he thanked his family, friends, and supporters for their unwavering support over his 19-year international career.
A Tradition in Cricket in Bangladesh
Mushfiqur initially became well-known during the 2007 World Cup, when he scored a game-winning fifty and was instrumental in Bangladesh’s historic triumph over India in Trinidad. He solidified his reputation as a dependable middle-order batsman and a trustworthy backup behind the wickets throughout the years. He played the most consecutive ODIs of any Bangladeshi cricketer, with 92 games between 2010 and 2016.
What Will Happen to Mushfiqur Rahim Next?
Despite his absence from ODIs, Mushfiqur is still an important member of Bangladesh’s Test cricket team. He is on track to become the first cricket player from Bangladesh to achieve 100 Tests with 94 appearances. His whole attention will now be on the game’s longest format, since he already retired from T20Is following the 2022 T20 World Cup.
An enduring impression on Bangladesh’s ODI history is left by Mushfiqur Rahim. He is regarded as one of the best cricket players in the nation because of his commitment, reliability, and contributions. Fans will still see him wear the whites for the national side in the forthcoming Test matches, even while Bangladesh cricket bids its veteran goodbye in the 50-over format.
