Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Bangladesh's former captain and veteran campaigner, has stated unequivocally that he does not expect the Bangladesh Cricket Board to organize an official farewell for his retirement from international cricket.

‘I cannot say about myself because I left (international cricket) a long time ago. I don't have any expectations, and I don't believe about it (having a farewell) regarding me," Mashrafe said in Sylhet, in response to a new murmur in the country's cricket fraternity in this regard.'

The 39-year-old, who has had several leg surgeries, last played for his country in a Test against the West Indies in 2009.

Mashrafe officially ended his T20I career during Bangladesh's 2017 tour of Sri Lanka, and he last appeared in ODIs against visiting Zimbabwe in March 2020 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Following his last appearance in the ODIs, the 39-year-old is only taking part in the country’s domestic cricket.

However, as a member of parliament, it is often difficult for him to make his frequent appearances in competitions.

Despite his age, his bowling accuracy in this edition of the BPL has surprised the fans as well as the national selectors, as he was the second highest wicket-taker until the conclusion of the Chattogram phase of the competition with nine wickets from six matches at a spectacular economy rate of 6.75.

And now he is holding the seventh spot.

Regrettably, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has yet to give a formal farewell to the country’s finest skipper.

However, Masrafe admitted that now he plays the game only out of his affection not for any sort of financial benefits.

‘When I started cricket at that point I hoped to play for the national team. Family members asked me to study while I took up sports. The passion went to such an extent that I would have played even if I hadn’t been paid.’

"Nowadays, I don't make a lot of money from cricket, so it's more about my passion than my profession."

Mashrafe led Sylher Strikers will start their Sylhet episode of the ongoing edition of BPL taking on the Rangpur Riders today at 2:00 pm at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

In the day’s evening tie Chattogram Challengers would face Fortune Barishal at 7:00 pm at the same venue.

Nagarik TV will televise the matches live.