‘It’s heartbreaking’: Teammates react to Mushfiqur’s T20I retirement

Bangladesh cricketers flooded social media with messages and wishes for wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim, who announced his retirement from T20Is through a Facebook post on Sunday. 

Mahmudullah Riyad, whose T20 career is also under the scanner following a prolonged lean patch in the format which continued till the Asia Cup that Bangladesh exited without a single win, left the most heartfelt message for his long-time compatriot. He mentioned that Mushfiqur's announcement came as a piece of 'heartbreaking' news to the all-rounder. 

"Dear Mushfiq, for me it's heartbreaking when I heard your announcement," Riyad wrote from his official Facebook account. 

"But well done on your T20I achievements & career. It was a pleasure to play T20I's with you. Your work ethics will always be inspirational in any format. #Respect," added Riyad. 

Meanwhile, Nurul Hasan Sohan, who has been the first-choice wicketkeeper in the shortest format lately, said it was an inspiration to have played alongside someone like Mushfiqur. 

"You always have been our inspiration on and off the field. Happy T20I Retirement Mushfiqur Rahim bhai. Best wishes for the coming days," Sohan wrote. 

All-rounder Mehedi Hasan Miraz's message was also along the same line. 

"My childhood hero, Mushfiqur Rahim bhai, you are a role model and an inspiration to many. We will miss you in the shorter format of cricket. I strongly believe that you have many things to give in other formats. Enjoy whatever new challenges you take on, brother," Miraz wrote on his official Facebook page. 

Pacer Taskin Ahmed's message was short but was enough to portray the respect that he has in his heart for Mushfiqur. 

"Thnx legend from T 20 Mushfiqur Rahim," Taskin wrote.