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Mushfiqur Rahim, Bangladesh’s most experienced and successful wicketkeeper-batter, has announced his retirement from One-Day International (ODI) cricket. This decision comes on the heels of Bangladesh’s disappointing campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where the team failed to secure a single win.
“The last few weeks have been very challenging for me”: Mushfiqur Rahim
Mushfiqur made the announcement on his official Facebook page, expressing gratitude to his family, friends and fans for their unwavering support throughout his illustrious 19-year career in the format. He acknowledged that the past few weeks had been particularly challenging, hinting that these difficulties may have influenced his decision to retire from ODI cricket.
“I am announcing my retirement from the ODI format as of today. Alhamdulillah for everything. While our achievements may have been limited on a global level, one thing is certain: whenever I stepped onto the field for my country, I gave more than 100% with dedication and honesty,” wrote Mushfiqur.
“The last few weeks have been very challenging for me, and I have come to realize that this is my destiny. Allah says in the Quran: “Wa tu’izzu man tasha’ wa tu’zhilu man tasha'” [And He honours whom He wills, and He disgraces whom He wills](3:26). May Almighty Allah forgive us and grant righteous Iman to all,” he added.
“Lastly, I would like to deeply thank my family, friends and my fans for whom I have played cricket for the last 19 years.
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Rahim’s ODI career
Mushfiqur is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers Bangladesh have ever produced. He made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in August 2006 and went on to become the most capped player for Bangladesh in the format, featuring in 274 matches. Throughout his career, he amassed an impressive 7795 runs at an average of 36.42, including nine centuries and 49 half-centuries. His highest score in ODIs was 144, showcasing his ability to dominate opposition bowlers.
As a wicketkeeper, Mushfiqur was equally impressive, taking 243 catches and effecting 56 stumpings behind the stumps. He is one of only five wicketkeepers to have played more than 250 ODIs, a testament to his longevity and consistency in the sport. His seven centuries as a keeper rank him fourth among all wicketkeepers, behind cricket legends like Kumar Sangakkara, Adam Gilchrist and MS Dhoni.
