Bangladesh Cricket Board will not rush the decision on allowing paceman Mustafizur Rahman to play for county side Sussex as officials said they need more time to assess his physical condition.
Mustafiz is scheduled to join Sussex next week after signing as their second overseas cricketer in March for the NatWest T20 Blast and the Royal London One-Day Cup.But his participation in the tournament is still hanging in the balance as the BCB is yet to make any decision on him.
‘We will assess his condition next week before making a final decision on whether he’ll be allowed to play in England,’ BCB chief executive officer Nizamuddin Chowdhury told on Thursday.
‘He was told to report to our medical staff in seven days, presumably on the second or third day of the Ramadan when his physical condition will be assessed again,’ he said.
Mustafiz returned home this week to a hero’s welcome after helping Sunrisers Hyderabad win their maiden Indian Premier League title with 17 wickets from 16 matches.
He was named emerging player of the tournament, the first foreign cricketer to win the award after conceding just 6.9 runs per over, the best among those who bowled at least 10 matches.
After initial assessment on his health condition, BCB earlier said they will make a decision on him in two to three days and let Mustafiz to go his Sathkhira home to spend time with his family.
The BCB did not want him to be a subject of any speculation as Dhaka Premier League outfit Mohammedan Sporting Club is also eager to get his service at some stage of the league.
While Mohammedan said they will accept BCB’s decision on Mustafiz, national team head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe on Thursday said he would prefer Mustafiz playing for Sussex provided his health permits.
‘If you want to improve performance you have to play in those conditions,’ he said. ‘You don’t go there, you don’t know. Bangladesh cricket will be benefitted if Mustafiz develop quickly and perform well.
‘So if it is not going to harm his health, I think it is a good thing for him to go and play.
‘It is rare opportunity for a Bangladesh player to play there. If I can send four players I will send them all. It is the best way to do it,’ he said.
Hathurusinghe also insisted on keeping Mustafiz fit to get better service from him, especially in Test cricket.
‘He has played two Test matches and has become man of the match in one with four wickets,’ said the coach. ‘At the start it is impressive but as you said it is going to be a challenge.
‘He has to be fit; we have to look after him. We all know that his mystery is going to be find out very soon so at the same time I am looking forward to his intelligent cricket.
‘So we will find ways for him to be competitive. Our challenge is look after him and develop him and keep him in the pack to play for Bangladesh.’
-With New Age input
