Akram Khan wants Mustafiz to play IPL, not Zimbabwe series

Mustafizur Rahman is currently ranked third (jointly 2nd) in the list of highest wicket-takers in the IPL. He has made a strong position as a bowler for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). His performance on the field has improved, benefiting Chennai. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe will play a series against Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) wants to include Mustafiz in that series.

Mustafiz can stay in India until April 30th. He won't be playing the next matches for Chennai. However, BCB Director Akram Khan does not support this. He believes that if Mustafiz can maintain his current form in the IPL, it will be beneficial for Bangladesh cricket. He said, "If you can use a player like Mustafiz in the IPL more effectively, then you will benefit 100%. That's what Dhoni's team is doing. The way he has played against Kolkata and planned."

Playing in the IPL from India rather than returning to Bangladesh for the Zimbabwe series would be good for Mustafiz, according to Akram. He said, "I think the more matches he plays as a Chennai player, the more beneficial it will be for him and Bangladesh. Playing in IPL will provide him a lot of benefits. Playing there, he will learn a lot. He will have the dressing room, playing with big players. He will play with different types of players. I think he should get this opportunity."

The board was somewhat concerned about Mustafiz's performance. There is the T20 World Cup ahead. Mustafiz could not show anything promising in the Sri Lanka series at home a few days ago. However, there is hope again in the IPL performance. The opportunity to play more matches there is always considered good, according to the BCB director.

He said, "What I feel is, we were worried about Mustafiz's performance, but he has been doing well in the IPL. It's not excellent, as he hasn't played the longer version. But if he can perform well in the IPL, then I think we will benefit a lot for Bangladesh in the World Cup."

Akram urged the board to consider this. He also asked selectors to think about it. He said, "The board can think about this. It depends entirely on the team staff, the selectors of the national team. They are doing well for Bangladesh."