Mustafiz has nothing to learn from IPL says Jalal Yunus

Interest in seeing Mustafizur Rahman play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) persists among cricket enthusiasts in Bangladesh. However, that opportunity is set to end by May 1. Chennai Super Kings won't have Mustafizur anymore after that. Bangladeshi supporters won't have the chance to rejoice watching him on the Indian grounds.

Today (Wednesday), during a conversation with the media in Mirpur, the head of the cricket operations department, Jalal Yunus, discussed Mustafiz's situation. 

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is considering bringing Mustafizur before the Zimbabwe series;  as confirmed by BCB's top official Jalal.

Mustafizur was given a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to stay in India until April 30. Chennai's request, along with Mustafizur's desire, extended that until May 1. During this time, the Bangladeshi pacer will get the opportunity to play a match.

After that, there won't be a chance to stay in India; he will have to return to Bangladesh. Jalal explained BCB's plan regarding this, "Our concern is Mustafizur's fitness. The franchises will want him to be 100% fit. They won't compromise on his fitness, but we will. If he returns here, we will give him a workload plan. But that won't be possible in the IPL."

In the IPL, any bowler can be seen bowling only four overs in a single match. Mustafizur is no exception. However, it's not just about playing those four overs; it's about the strenuous time spent there, clarified the BCB official. He said, "You might see it as a four-over game. But do you know how exhausting it is? They have to travel at night. Even after the game, they have to travel from the airport after sleeping."

The T20 World Cup is ahead. So, BCB is more vigilant about Mustafizur's fitness. Jalal Yunus cited the example of the 2021 World Cup where two Bangladeshi players participated in the IPL and conveyed their fatigue. The board wants to see Mustafizur fit before a big event. "We are going to a big event. Before that, we want him to be with the team. Our series with the USA starts in May; he has to agree to that," said Jalal.

"He needs to be physically fit before going. If he gets tired, he won't deliver. Then what's the use for me? I need him. I want a fit Mustafizur, not a tired one," he added.

Mustafizur has been playing in the IPL for a long time, and his bag of experience isn't small. If he wishes to convey any message, it's that, according to Jalal. He said, "Mustafizur has nothing more to learn by playing in the IPL now. Mustafizur's learning process is over. Instead, many players in the IPL can learn from Mustafizur. There will be no benefit to Bangladesh; others will benefit from Mustafizur."