Mashrafe Bin Mortaza has resigned as captain after the ODI series against Zimbabwe in March last year. However, he has not been retired even after reaching the age of 38 nor he is thinking of retiring as well. This fast bowler has expressed his desire to play as long as he wants and almost a year has passed since that series against Zimbabwe took place.

Meanwhile, due to COVID, the selectors did not include the country’s best former captain in the series after leaving the captaincy. They have mentioned that the reason for the dismissal is to provide the youth cricketers’ with the opportunity to play in the World Cup 2023.

Akram Khan, the chairman of Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) cricket operations committee, admitted that Bangladesh team will feel the absence of Masrafe in the West Indies series. He also said the Tiger’s will miss Mashrafe’s experience in the upcoming series.

While talking to the media, Akram said, ‘There is no doubt Mashrafe is a great player. He is one of our best captains. Not having a player like him in the squad has weakened the team and everyone will feel the lack of Masrafe’s experience.’

The Test and ODI series against the West Indies will begin from January 20. Akram could not confirm whether the spectators would return to the stadium due to COVID-19 pandemic, although, the BCB has plans to hold the series without spectators.

In this context, Akram further said, ‘So far we are still thinking of series without the spectators. But the discussion is being still carried on, there is still time. But until now without the spectator’s.’