If fit, Mashrafe still has a lot to offer: Bashar

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) selector Habibul Bashar said that Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, who informed today in a press conference in Sylhet that the third ODI against Zimbabwe on Friday will be his last as captain, still has a lot to offer to Bangladesh if the 36-year-old remains fit.

"This is not a time to say anything about it," said Bashar in Sylhet when asked how challenging would it be to select Mashrafe as a regular player.

"Mashrafe is not like just another regular player. He is different -- his is a special case. Mashrafe playing in a game is a huge thing. It is also a huge news that he is stepping down as a captain. But if he is fit, he still has a lot to offer to Bangladesh team," continued Bashar.

Mashrafe, who captained Bangladesh in 87 matches since taking on the role back in 2010, has the chance of leading the Tigers to their 50th win under his leadership when he steps on the Sylhet International Stadium on Friday as Bangladesh' captain for the last time.

"Look at our winning rate [under Mashrafe]; it is a lot. It is never easy to lead a side that bolsters a number of stars. It becomes easier to play matches with the stars but it is very tough to manage all the stars and play. Mashrafe did that very nicely over the years.

"He is however not retiring yet and is available for selection. I will definitely miss his captaincy. According to me, Mashrafe is one of the best captains ever," concluded Bashar.