ICC World Cup 2019 likely to be Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza’s last word event

Mortaza has led Bangladesh in 73 ODIs, emerging on the winning side 40 times, which makes him one of the most successful leaders of the nation.

The upcoming ICC ODI World Cup in England, starting from May 30 is likely to be the last world event for Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza, said wicket-keeper batsman Mushfiqur Rahim.

Bangladesh captain Bangladesh Mashrafe Mortaza is likely to retire after World Cup 2019 (AFP)

Rahim said the Bangladesh team is determined to honour Mashrafe with “something special”.

“There are expectations and pressures in every international game as you are representing a nation, and it is a matter of huge pride and honour. This may be our last world cup together if Mashrafe bhai is unable to play the next World Cup. We all want to do something special, at least for Mashrafe bhai,” Mushfiqur was quoted as saying by ICC.

Mortaza has represented Bangladesh in 205 ODIs, picking up 259 wickets at an average of 31.71. Under his captaincy, Bangladesh rose to new heights in ODIs. Their last big achievement was to reach the Asia Cup 2018 final in UAE. Mortaza has led Bangladesh in 73 ODIs, emerging on the winning side 40 times, which makes him one of the most successful leaders of the nation.

Mushfiqur also went on to say that Bangladesh will go into ODI World Cup 2019 with the strongest ever squad.

“Having most experienced players in the team, this is the strongest World Cup team that Bangladesh have ever had. We lost many finals in the recent past. Maybe, a big achievement is waiting for us in the future,” Mushfiqur added.

Bangladesh will meet Pakistan and India in their warm-ups, before opening their World Cup campaign against South Africa on June 2 at The Oval, London.