Mushfiqur to be rested for third Zim ODI?

There were speculations that the Bangladesh team management wanted to rest Mushfiqur Rahim for the third and final ODI against Zimbabwe to have a look at a few young players and solidify the lineup that would play the lone ODI in Pakistan next month. Local media also had reported that the BCB had wanted to convince the player to travel to Pakistan, but chief selector Minhazul Abedin today confirmed that the cricketer officially stated that he will not go back on his previous decision.

"We talked to Mushfiqur to know about his decision and he directly stated that he would not go. Since he won't go, we have to think about the upcoming ODI and Test," Minhazul said.

He however reiterated that the BCB did not coax the cricketer to go to Pakistan.  "We called him on an official basis and had a meeting with the head coach present," he added.

He confirmed that if Bangladesh clinch the ongoing series against 2-0 today, they will possibly name a team that is available for the lone ODI against Pakistan for the third Zimbabwe ODI in Sylhet.

"We talked to the team management and if we win the Zimbabwe series 2-0 today, we will be thinking of going with the same team that will play the one off ODI against Pakistan," he said.

The chief selector however informed that they are yet to decide on Mashrafe Bin Mortaza captaining the side in the Pakistan ODI.