Bangladesh confirmed on Friday in Sylhet that Mushfiqur Rahim is poised to become the country’s first cricketer to reach 100 Test appearances, with the wicketkeeper batter expected to play his landmark match on 19 November at the Sher e Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. The former captain has featured in 99 Tests to date, the most by any Bangladeshi player, and is set to add another chapter to a career that has already spanned nearly two decades.
Speculation has circulated over whether Mushfiqur might use the occasion to bid farewell to international cricket, having already retired from T20s and stepped away from ODIs earlier this year. However, team sources indicated he has made no plans to end his red ball career and intends to continue playing Test cricket.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto praised the significance of the milestone after the opening match of the series in Sylhet. “It is a huge achievement and very exciting,” Shanto said. “I said in the first day’s press conference that we want to celebrate. The players want to enjoy that day and those five days. There is a great sense of honour attached to it.”
Shanto added that Bangladesh have never before had a player reach this mark, which makes it all the more important to recognise Mushfiqur’s contribution. “We always feel that someone like him deserves the highest respect and as captain I will try to ensure that,” he said.
Looking ahead, Shanto made it clear he hopes the milestone does not signal the end. “I hope Mushfiq bhai continues even after 100 Tests,” he said. “We need an experienced player like him in the Test side and I hope he carries on.”
