Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)-Hailing from a nondescript village in southern Bangladesh, rookie fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman didn’t take too long to be the cynosure of world cricket.
Mustafizur took everyone by storm, claiming 11 wickets in his first two one-day internationals – a world record , reports, the IBN Live.
His another claim to fame- he is the only cricketer in the world to have won Man-of-the-Match awards in his debut Test and ODI.
Like many individuals who come in and change the game, young Mustafizur too gave Bangladesh some memorable wins over strong Test playing nations like India and South Africa.
He ended up taking 26 wickets in 9 ODIs that he played in 2015.
Recognition and awards followed soon.
Mustafizur was also selected in the ICC ODI Team of 2015.
The calm, young boy turned into a national hero and overnight grew into a household name in Bangladesh.
Now as the new season sets in, the shy 20-year-old from rural Bangladesh is all geared up to scale new heights.
His exploits have turned him into a top draw.
Mustafizur has been bought by Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 1.4 crore in the players’ auction, making him the sixth Bangladeshi player to be drafted in IPL auctions.
And Mustafizur can’t wait to play in the IPL.
“I played well against India when they toured Bangladesh last year. A lot of people had told me then that I would get noticed by IPL franchises. Now, I am very excited to take part in the IPL. It is one of the biggest T20 tournaments in the world. I have heard a lot about IPL and I was hoping I would get the opportunity to play. It will be fun. Now that I can be a part of it, I am obviously excited. It will be very good for me,” an ecstatic Muztafizur told CricketNext from Bangladesh.
The youngster is not worried about the price tag and only hopes to do well.
“I am not thinking about the money. It doesn’t bother me. I have come from a humble background and I just want to play well and give my best for the team. My family is very happy when they got the news. They have been a big part of my struggle and have always supported me. I would like to thank Allah for showering his grace on me,” he said.
Mustafizur also said that he would seek advice from Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza, who has been an admirer of his bowling, before he comes to India.
“I am very close to Mashrafe dada. He has helped me a lot and I try to learn from him. I will definitely seek his advice before the IPL,” he said.
At the same time, Mustafizur said he would not get swayed away by the hullabaloo and would concentrate on the next big tasks – the Asia Cup and the World Twenty20.
“Right now my focus is on the Asia Cup at home and the WT20. Before anything else, I want to do well for my country in these two tournaments. I always look to give my 100 per cent and take my team to victory,” he concluded.
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