Mushfiq to participate T20I series

Bangladesh wicket-keeper batsman Mushfiqur Rahim has decided to be part of the three-match T20I series against hosts Zimbabwe.

The change in mind by the veteran cricketer has been driven by the fact that it would be difficult for him to join the national squad for the Australia series. The team is already in a bio-bubble in tour of Zimbabwe and this would continue when they reach Dhaka given the two series has a just a few days gap in between.

Australia are scheduled to reach Dhaka on July 29 for a five-match T20I series, the day Bangladesh is scheduled to return from Zimbabawe. Both the teams will head straight into the bio-bubble.

Bangladesh Cricket Board national selection panel chief Minhajul Abedin confirmed the development to the media on Tuesday.

“Mushfiq has shifted from his previous decision [of not playing the T20I matches against Zimbabwe]. It is mainly because it would become difficult for him to join the bio-bubble in Dhaka for Australia series if he had come out of the bubble that is in Zimbabawe given it is back to back series with a very small gap in between,” said Minhajul to the media on Tuesday.

Mushfiq ahead of the tour of Zimbabwe had decided to not play the T20I series looking for a break. The wicket-keeper batsman had kept him available for selection for the Test and ODI matches for the tour.

Finishing the lone Test of the tour with a 220-run win, visiting Bangladesh are now focusing on white-ball cricket. Bangladesh will play three ODIs against hosts Zimbabwe on July 16, 18 and 20. The three T20Is will be played on July 23, 25 and 27. All the matches are scheduled to be played behind closed doors at Harare Sports Club.

Australia in Dhaka will play the five T20I matches between August 2 and August 8 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.