Tait explains why Mustafizur is in high demand in franchise cricket

Mustafizur Rahman’s arrival in Bangladesh cricket was like a blazing comet. He began his international journey by dismissing Shahid Afridi on debut against Pakistan. Then came the iconic series against India, where his devastating cutters rattled some of the world’s best batters. With two consecutive five-wicket hauls, he single-handedly dismantled an Indian batting lineup featuring Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s team eventually lost the series, cornered by Mustafizur’s brilliance.

That series marked the beginning of Mustafizur’s IPL chapter. Playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad for the first time, the left-arm pacer created a storm. His mastery of cutters troubled batters throughout the tournament, earning him the Emerging Player award.

Since then, he has represented four more IPL teams. From 2016 to 2025, Mustafizur has taken 65 wickets in 60 matches at an economy rate of 8.13. He has also been a regular feature in the Lanka Premier League and Pakistan Super League.

However, in the ongoing Ireland series, Mustafizur is yet to take a wicket, and his economy rate stands at 7.75. Speaking to reporters in Chattogram on Tuesday ahead of the series-deciding match, Bangladesh’s fast-bowling coach Shaun Tait said he has no concerns about Mustafizur.

Tait said, “Mustafizur is full of experience. Everything about him is exceptional. He knows his strengths. He has played all over the world. He has set high standards. He has always performed well, and that’s what top players do. From the IPL to every league, teams want him because he is a world-class cricketer.”

He believes the experienced pacer will regain his rhythm very soon.

Tait is also satisfied with Taskin Ahmed. The pacer, who took five wickets on debut against India, is currently playing in the T10 League in Dubai. Representing Northern Warriors, he has taken 5 wickets in 6 matches. Although his economy rate is slightly on the higher side, Tait considers Taskin’s professionalism and leadership qualities to be invaluable for Bangladesh.

Speaking about Taskin, the Tigers’ coach said, “I’ve watched Taskin in the T10. I share a great relationship with him. He’s an important cricketer for us — a senior player and a good leader. We are in regular communication.”

Bangladesh’s busy schedule begins right after the Ireland series. The BPL is set to start in the second week of December and will run until January. After that, the T20 World Cup begins in February. Despite the workload and potential injury risks, Tait is not worried.

The Tigers’ coach said, “I’m not thinking about injury concerns. It's not in my control. The high-intensity cricket the players will play before the World Cup is a positive thing. Injuries can happen anytime, in any situation. It’s not in my hands — and neither is the World Cup schedule.”

In the upcoming T20 World Cup, Bangladesh will play in Group C. Their opponents are Italy, Nepal, England, and the West Indies.

The first three matches will be held at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, and the final group-stage match will be played at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.

Given Mustafizur’s extensive IPL experience and familiarity with Indian conditions, he is expected to play a major role for Bangladesh in the World Cup.