We find no logic now in axing captaincy of Mushfiqur Rahim from test cricket. We also got shocked and surprised the manner the most unceremonious way the most successful test captain was removed. Even BCB President sounded silly when he announced it. The controversial former head coach dominated team management created unfair pressure on Mushfique during the disastrous South Africa tour. The captain had no freedom in taking free decisions even in areas which belongs exclusively to the captain. 

Everyone was surprised when on batting friendly surfaces Bangladesh opted to field in both the test with depleted bowling attack against strong home side batting. Even he was heavily dictated in field setting, batting order and bowlers reshuffling. He did nothing wrong in winding his frustration “winning the toss was a mistake”. BCB president with his shallow knowledge of cricket must not have ridiculed that.  We can guarantee that this would not be possible if Mashrafee or Shakib were the captain.

Mushfique has made Bangladesh proud by his excellent batting and leadership. Bangladesh was showing signs of maturity under his leadership. OK his wicket keeping at times failed to achieve expectation.  But being the most elegant batsman and gentleman cricketer he did not deserve such a rough deal. 

One may recall that senior players complained of major issues in team management to BCB boss during Sri Lanka tour.  4 leading players were asked to map their exit from the team. Mahmudullah was about to be sent home. Mashrafee suddenly announced retirement. BCB did nothing to pacify the situation. The unhealthy environment of the team management continued when against Australia Mominul and Mahmudullah were not included in the test squad. Under national pressure Mominul was taken in. 

But Mahmudullah remained ignored. Both continued to perform. Now Mahmudullah is made vice captain while he was overlooked during the test series at home against Australia.

We have no issues of Shakib being captain of test team. He is world class player .But he had disciplinary issues in the past. We hope such incidents are no repeated again. I am not sure such axing would auger well for the composure of Mushfique. He still remains the premiere batsman of the team.  

We strongly feel that in the home series he should not have been changed. What was wrong with Tamim remaining vice captain of the test team? If BCB has long term planning in mind while younger players like Mehedy Miraj, Mosaddeq or even Mominul could be developed as understudy under seniors as vice captain in different formats?

One of the bad omen of Bangladesh Cricket is gone .Another personality grossly misfit for his shoes still creating issues which continues hurting the interest of cricket.

BDST: 1530 HRS, DEC 11, 2017
SMS/