Dimuth Karunaratne writes for Mushfiqur Rahim

After a disappointing performance in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, Mushfiqur Rahim has announced his retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket. His final ODI match was played against New Zealand at Rawalpindi, marking the end of a remarkable career in the 50-over format.

Mushfiqur's career spanned nearly two decades, starting with his ODI debut in 2006. Over the course of his career, he played 274 matches, scoring 9 centuries and 49 fifties. His career runs totalled 7,795, though he could only manage 2 runs in his final ODI match. His retirement has deeply affected many, including his close friends and cricket colleagues.

Former Sri Lankan captain, Dimuth Karunaratne, expressed his emotions on Facebook upon hearing the news of Mushfiqur’s retirement. Karunaratne wrote, “My friend Mushfiqur Rahim, a true legend of Bangladesh cricket, has been the backbone of the national ODI team for over a decade. His dedication, skill, and passion for the game have inspired millions. From his solid batting to his sharp wicketkeeping, Mushfiqur has always given his best for the team. Thank you for the memories in ODI cricket, Mushfiqur! You will always remain a hero for Bangladesh cricket.”

With the next ODI World Cup scheduled for 2027, Mushfiqur has decided to step down in order to prepare the Bangladesh team for future challenges. His retirement marks the end of an era for Bangladesh cricket, but his contributions will always be remembered as one of the cornerstones of the team.