"My family is not permitting me to go to Pakistan" : Mushfiqur Rahim

[Abdullah719]

Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim declines to visit Pakistan

Bangladesh’s wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim has declined to visit Pakistan for the forthcoming series, a team official said on Thursday. “Mushfiq(ur) rang me today to inform that he will not go to Pakistan. We are now waiting for his formal letter. Once he does that, we will leave him out of the series,” chief selector Minhajul Abedin told AFP.

Bangladesh are scheduled to play three Twenty20 internationals, two Tests and one one-day international in Pakistan between January and April.

Mushfiqur’s absence could be a blow for Bangladesh who are already without suspended all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan.

Minhajul said they are likely to announce the squad for the series in a day or two.

International cricket has gradually returned to Pakistan in the last four years after it was suspended in the wake of terrorist attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in March 2009.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...it-pakistan/story-hv9u5GIYcqaJyZis4lMj3I.html

 

[Rana]

Good. Well done for letting your country down at a time when they needed their stars to step up!

 

[kk1992]

Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim declines to visit Pakistan

Bangladesh’s wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim has declined to visit Pakistan for the forthcoming series, a team official said on Thursday. “Mushfiq(ur) rang me today to inform that he will not go to Pakistan. We are now waiting for his formal letter. Once he does that, we will leave him out of the series,” chief selector Minhajul Abedin told AFP.

Bangladesh are scheduled to play three Twenty20 internationals, two Tests and one one-day international in Pakistan between January and April.

Mushfiqur’s absence could be a blow for Bangladesh who are already without suspended all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan.

Minhajul said they are likely to announce the squad for the series in a day or two.

International cricket has gradually returned to Pakistan in the last four years after it was suspended in the wake of terrorist attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in March 2009.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...it-pakistan/story-hv9u5GIYcqaJyZis4lMj3I.html

Any particular reason not to visit Pakistan?

Or just woke up and decided not to visit Pakistan so he could get some attention?

 

[MMHS]

Any particular reason not to visit Pakistan?

Or just woke up and decided not to visit Pakistan so he could get some attention?

It's his personal choice - do you have any problem in that? He didn't list for PSL draft either. I don't think declining to tour PAK or any country draws any attention - if it does, that the problem should be with the country, not the person.

 

[boomboomcheema]

Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim declines to visit Pakistan

Bangladesh’s wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim has declined to visit Pakistan for the forthcoming series, a team official said on Thursday. “Mushfiq(ur) rang me today to inform that he will not go to Pakistan. We are now waiting for his formal letter. Once he does that, we will leave him out of the series,” chief selector Minhajul Abedin told AFP.

Bangladesh are scheduled to play three Twenty20 internationals, two Tests and one one-day international in Pakistan between January and April.

https://m.hindustantimes.com/cricke...it-pakistan/story-hv9u5GIYcqaJyZis4lMj3I.html

 

[RickyG]

Wonder if he had signed up to play in the PSL.

 

[saeed5646]

If i am not wrong he was in psl draft ?

 

[Down2Earth]

Bangladeshis really seem to be getting big for their boots

 

[Abdullah719]

Wonder if he had signed up to play in the PSL.

If i am not wrong he was in psl draft ?

Nope.

 

[Ronaldo7]

He knew he was gonna fail. So might as well not come.

He has little feet but a big brain

 

[Minnowbasher]

IPL contract perhaps?

 

[Shutdown Corner]

Disappointing, but its his personal choice. He's scored runs all over the world against all sorts of bowling lineups. He can get one free pass here.

 

[jiduguravindra]

IPL contract perhaps?

No one is gonna give him a contract even at his base price and it was quite evident from all last ipl auctions where he participated.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

Why is Mushfiqur the one in particular scared of touring Pakistan? I don't like bashing Bangladesh at all but Mushfiq in particular always annoys me, with his dancing and theatrics. Of course I'm glad Bangladesh is playing but they will be weakened without him and I'm annoyed about that.

 

[Saj]

Each to their own I guess.

It will be interesting what he says regarding not touring.

 

[kk1992]

It's his personal choice - do you have any problem in that? He didn't list for PSL draft either. I don't think declining to tour PAK or any country draws any attention - if it does, that the problem should be with the country, not the person.

I sense you are upset.

I do not have any problem with either he tour Pakistan or not.

Obviously that is his personal choice, no one can force him to travel anywhere.

Again, his personal choice if he did not list for PSL draft.

I am just asking for the reason for refusal to travel to Pakistan so I can criticize because it has to be something to stupid which gain him little support and attention.

Oh yea, nothing wrong with Pakistan as Sri Lanka tour and other players have visited recently.

Remember top #1 destination to visit is Pakistan

 

[aloo paratha]

Who cares? His choice doesn't effect the perception of Pakistan in terms of security. He's only letting his team down.

 

[kk1992]

Perhaps, he took the comment of BCB as serious when BCB chairman said, Iran and US conflict is the reason not to travel to Pakistan.

Karachi to Tehran is about 2500 Km
Tehran to Dubai is about 2400 Km

 

[cric_man]

Perhaps, he took the comment of BCB as serious when BCB chairman said, Iran and US conflict is the reason not to travel to Pakistan.

Karachi to Tehran is about 2500 Km
Tehran to Dubai is about 2400 Km

Tehran to Dubai flight is around 2 hrs so I reckon 1000km (as the crow flies).
2400km that you picked up was land travel around the Persian gulf

 

[kk1992]

Tehran to Dubai flight is around 2 hrs so I reckon 1000km (as the crow flies).
2400km that you picked up was land travel around the Persian gulf

Driving is more fun

 

[Pete Rose]

It's his personal choice - do you have any problem in that? He didn't list for PSL draft either. I don't think declining to tour PAK or any country draws any attention - if it does, that the problem should be with the country, not the person.

This is a bit salty by your standards

 

[MMHS]

He knew he was gonna fail. So might as well not come.

He has little feet but a big brain

Did you check his record against PAK is last few years? He decided not to come and he kept himself out of PSL draft as well - I don't think there should be any other issues here. he is not the only one declining to travel to PAK.

 

[Justcrazy]

It's his personal choice - do you have any problem in that? He didn't list for PSL draft either. I don't think declining to tour PAK or any country draws any attention - if it does, that the problem should be with the country, not the person.

I think he should have gone , Bangladesh needs his batting in middle order , also we need to see good balanced cricket with close games. With Shakib not there , he was a senior player.

 

[Rana]

Who cares tbh, Shakib most likely would have declined to tour also.

As long as Apna Cheetah Mahmudullah is coming I could care less about who else isn’t coming.

 

[MMHS]

I think he should have gone , Bangladesh needs his batting in middle order , also we need to see good balanced cricket with close games. With Shakib not there , he was a senior player.

I would have loved to see him in PAK tour, but he decided not to tour (might still happen for the Test tour, once his team returns from T20 series). Is that too big an issue? I read some idiot writing here that he is doing it to satisfy Indians (as if Indians care ....), some think he is scared of failure ..... The guy didn't list for PSL draft either, which suggests his family might not be agreeing.

Also, as far I know his extended family is US based, and he travels there regularly ..... might have decided not to have PAK embarkation stamp on his passport, you never know. Shakib's wife is is US citizen and he spends considerable time in USA, yet he visited PAK multiple times though.

It's his personal choice and we have to honor that - if someone doesn't have the basic decency of not honoring that, I think next best is to avoid the topic.

 

[Ami]

Boy ....you guys make a mountain out of a mole hill.
The pressing issue here is teams going to Pakistan to play cricket, if its test cricket, its a bounus.
I'd gladly accept a cart of 'gadhays' from Bangladesh as long as the games gained international status.

 

[Mamoon]

He knew he was gonna fail. So might as well not come.

He has little feet but a big brain

Apart from Babar, he is comfortably better than any batsman in Pakistan at the moment. It is a shame that he isn’t coming especially with Shakib unavailable as well.

The tour is already a joke with the scheduling and the absence of top players is only going to devalue it further.

Nevertheless, Mushfiq doesn’t owe anyone an explanation as long as he is not violating BCB code of conduct.

This matter is between him and BCB and not for Pakistani media and fans to speculate. We need to drop our false sense of entitlement. Foreign players are under no obligation to help the restoration of international cricket in Pakistan.

 

[Rana]

Apart from Babar, he is comfortably better than any batsman in Pakistan at the moment. It is a shame that he isn’t coming especially with Shakib unavailable as well.

The tour is already a joke with the scheduling and the absence of top players is only going to devalue it further.

Nevertheless, Mushfiq doesn’t owe anyone an explanation as long as he is not violating BCB code of conduct.

This matter is between him and BCB and not for Pakistani media and fans to speculate. We need to drop our false sense of entitlement. Foreign players are under no obligation to help the restoration of international cricket in Pakistan.

Another gem of a comment by sir Mamoon

Mushfiq is not better than Harris Sohail and Abid Ali.

 

[Rana]

Apart from Babar, he is comfortably better than any batsman in Pakistan at the moment. It is a shame that he isn’t coming especially with Shakib unavailable as well.

The tour is already a joke with the scheduling and the absence of top players is only going to devalue it further.

Nevertheless, Mushfiq doesn’t owe anyone an explanation as long as he is not violating BCB code of conduct.

This matter is between him and BCB and not for Pakistani media and fans to speculate. We need to drop our false sense of entitlement. Foreign players are under no obligation to help the restoration of international cricket in Pakistan.

Mushfiq isn’t even a better Test batsman than Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq....even Imam ul Haq is well on course to be better than him in ODIs

Where do you come up with such nonesense?

 

[Mamoon]

Another gem of a comment by sir Mamoon

Mushfiq is not better than Harris Sohail and Abid Ali.

You are quite generous to stop with those two. You could also mention Imam, Fakhar, Malik, Sarfraz, Rizwan.....Shadab.

Mushfiq has been an outstanding batsman for 4-5 years now and has performed in all formats against pretty much all teams in a variety of conditions.

Abid Ali has not even played 10 international matches yet and Haris can barely keep his place in this mid-table Pakistan side.

It is frankly disrespectful for Mushfiq to be compared with these two at this stage of their careers.

 

[BDfanforever]

I would have loved to see him in PAK tour, but he decided not to tour (might still happen for the Test tour, once his team returns from T20 series). Is that too big an issue? I read some idiot writing here that he is doing it to satisfy Indians (as if Indians care ....), some think he is scared of failure ..... The guy didn't list for PSL draft either, which suggests his family might not be agreeing.

Also, as far I know his extended family is US based, and he travels there regularly ..... might have decided not to have PAK embarkation stamp on his passport, you never know. Shakib's wife is is US citizen and he spends considerable time in USA, yet he visited PAK multiple times though.

It's his personal choice and we have to honor that - if someone doesn't have the basic decency of not honoring that, I think next best is to avoid the topic.

And thats why Bangladesh will always remain a minnow team. Shakib career is effectively over after all the drama he caused starting from refusing to go to multiple tour. I am not judging mushfique for refusing to tour Pak, but I feel this is just the start.

Look at likes of Rohit Sharma and Kholi, they even play all games against SRL and WI.

 

[Rana]

You are quite generous to stop with those two. You could also mention Imam, Fakhar, Malik, Sarfraz, Rizwan.....Shadab.

Mushfiq has been an outstanding batsman for 4-5 years now and has performed in all formats against pretty much all teams in a variety of conditions.

Abid Ali has not even played 10 international matches yet and Haris can barely keep his place in this mid-table Pakistan side.

It is frankly disrespectful for Mushfiq to be compared with these two at this stage of their careers.

I find you quite disrespectful because you don’t know cricket at all. You don’t play it and you can’t read it. The names I mentioned I know they are better than Mushfiq

You will get reminded about this like your Shubman Gill comment

 

[Mamoon]

Mushfiq isn’t even a better Test batsman than Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq....even Imam ul Haq is well on course to be better than him in ODIs

Where do you come up with such nonesense?

He is better than 2019-20 version of Azhar and is better than Shafiq in every format. Babar is the only Pakistani batsman who is better than him in all formats.

 

[Mamoon]

I find you quite disrespectful because you don’t know cricket at all. You don’t play it and you can’t read it. The names I mentioned I know they are better than Mushfiq

You will get reminded about this like your Shubman Gill comment

You have the freedom to say what you want and like wise, I can say the same about Pakistani fans like you.

I believe you are delusional with regrettable understanding of cricket. That is why you severely overrate this rubbish team and expect big things only to get disappointed over and over again.

Players like Abid Ali wouldn’t even get into the Indian team because Agarwal, Shaw and Rahul are far better than him.

Shubman Gill would be Pakistan’s biggest asset by now if he was competing with Fakhar, Imam and Masood for a spot and not with Rohit, Kohli and Dhawan.

 

[Rana]

He is better than 2019-20 version of Azhar and is better than Shafiq in every format. Babar is the only Pakistani batsman who is better than him in all formats.

No...the Following batsman are better than him in each format

Tests: Azhar, Babar, Harris, Shafiq (possibly Abid)

ODI: Babar, Harris, Abid, (Imam possibly)

T20: Babar, Malik

Check Sarfaraz’s record it’s on par with him as well. Be very careful when you pass judgements here

 

[Mamoon]

No...the Following batsman are better than him in each format

Tests: Azhar, Babar, Harris, Shafiq (possibly Abid)

ODI: Babar, Harris, Abid, (Imam possibly)

T20: Babar, Malik

Check Sarfaraz’s record it’s on par with him as well. Be very careful when you pass judgements here

As I said, you are too kind. You have missed a dozen batsmen both in and out of the team who are also better than Mushfiq.

The reality is that he walks into the Pakistan side in all three formats. You can live in denial if you want to, since reality is often bitter.

 

[Mean&Green]

You have the freedom to say what you want and like wise, I can say the same about Pakistani fans like you.

I believe you are delusional with regrettable understanding of cricket. That is why you severely overrate this rubbish team and expect big things only to get disappointed over and over again.

Players like Abid Ali wouldn’t even get into the Indian team because Agarwal, Shaw and Rahul are far better than him.

Shubman Gill would be Pakistan’s biggest asset by now if he was competing with Fakhar, Imam and Masood for a spot and not with Rohit, Kohli and Dhawan.

Lol Pakistan’s biggest asset. He can’t even make it into the indian side atm now don’t say cause their is so much competion in India that’s not even the case they can’t even find a solid number 4 to save their lives atm. Plus they tried him as well he failed so they never gave him another chance he has a lot of footwork problems. Go on your merry way and rejoice over things that have not even happened yet.

 

[Sherlock]

Got to respect ones decision, even if a little disappointing.

Also may I add a lot of these players are still traumatised by what happened in NZ not a so long ago too.

It's best to respect someone's mental capacity and how their emotional state is.

 

[Mamoon]

Lol Pakistan’s biggest asset. He can’t even make it into the indian side atm now don’t say cause their is so much competion in India that’s not even the case they can’t even find a solid number 4 to save their lives atm. Plus they tried him as well he failed so they never gave him another chance he has a lot of footwork problems. Go on your merry way and rejoice over things that have not even happened yet.

They only tried him for 2 ODIs. He is a top 3 batsman and there is no room for him at the moment because of Rohit, Dhawan, Rahul and Kohli.

He can also play at 4 but it is not his favored position. You will see how good he is once India makes him a fixture in the team in a few years time.

The thrashing that he dished out to Pakistan in the U-19 World Cup is a sight that we would see regularly in international cricket. He will be the new tormentor of Pakistan after Kohli.

Players like Gill, Shaw and Pant etc. will ensure that their dominance over us will continue.

 

[Mean&Green]

They only tried him for 2 ODIs. He is a top 3 batsman and there is no room for him at the moment because of Rohit, Dhawan, Rahul and Kohli.

He can also play at 4 but it is not his favored position. You will see how good he is once India makes him a fixture in the team in a few years time.

The thrashing that he dished out to Pakistan in the U-19 World Cup is a sight that we would see regularly in international cricket. He will be the new tormentor of Pakistan after Kohli.

Players like Gill, Shaw and Pant etc. will ensure that their dominance over us will continue.

Keep dreaming over things that have not even happened yet you were going gaga over jofra archer as well how he’s the next big thing in cricket he can’t even get a wicket to save his life atm and he’s already injured.

 

[Saj]

Stay on topic guys.

 

[aloo paratha]

Mushfiqur Rahim averages on par with Azhar Ali, someone who couldn't even stay in the Pakistan ODI team. Mushfiqur Rahim also averages less than Mohammad Hafeez of all people in tests and T20s.

 

[ahmedzee]

Respect his decision completely but atleast tell us the reason though. Maybe we can improve something he dislikes and that could make him available for Pakistan next time.

 

[Danyaalr01]

Well it's his own loss and he is letting his team down. Bangladesh isn't any safer than Pakistan at the moment.

 

[Dios]

Mushfiqur Rahim averages on par with Azhar Ali, someone who couldn't even stay in the Pakistan ODI team. Mushfiqur Rahim also averages less than Mohammad Hafeez of all people in tests and T20s.

Please check averages in the last 5 years.

Well it's his own loss and he is letting his team down. Bangladesh isn't any safer than Pakistan at the moment.

While Pakistan has made impressive strides in becoming safer, Bangladesh is a much safer country than Pakistan. Bangladesh has effectively eradicated domestic terrorism following the cafe attack in 2016. There have been pretty much no incidents of terrorism in recent years and terror groups who used to carry out attacks on bloggers and liberal free-thinkers have been decimated.

I personally feel like Pakistan is safe for cricket provided extensive security measures are in place. Most Bangladeshi players also don't have concerns playing in Pakistan as a bunch of them signed up for the PSL. However, if someone is not comfortable they should not be forced. I wonder if Mushfiqur genuinely has security concerns or him opting out is more fatigue-related.

 

[moghul]

It's his personal choice - do you have any problem in that? He didn't list for PSL draft either. I don't think declining to tour PAK or any country draws any attention - if it does, that the problem should be with the country, not the person.

Smart move to get IPL contract next time.

 

[minamino]

It's his decision not to tour. No one should force him

 

[Waleed93]

I would have liked to see him in Pakistan, especially since Shakib is not going to be there. Mushfiq would have been their key player because of the former's ban.

However, it's his life, his choice. For me, the most important thing is the fact that Bangladesh are finally coming for a Test series, and that is the greatest news as a Pakistani fan.

Mushfiq skipping this series will certainly harm Bangladesh here. They badly need him as he has been a world class batsman since quite some time now.

 

[Rana]

How does it work? If a player refuses to tour Pakistan because of ‘safety concerns’, are they still being paid the same as those who are under central contract and are playing?

 

[Joseph Gomes]

Mushfiqur hasn't made any comment on Pakistan's security, he simply declined to visit. It's his personal choice, we can't force people to go anywhere.

 

[squanchy]

Maybe instead of mocking Mushfiq, we should make Pakistan a more appealing destination for people to visit?

And for a country where 16 sportsmen almost died a decade ago, I don't think this hubris is appropriate.

 

[kingusama92]

It's his choice.

Probably classier to do it this way without making a show of it through the media.

 

[sweep_shot]

It is quite a disappointing news from Bangladeshi point of view. He is our best batsman after Shakib. Losing him is a big blow.

But, it is his personal decision and I respect that.

It is a great opportunity for Bangladesh to try out another keeper.

 

[Shazzam]

I sense you are upset.

I do not have any problem with either he tour Pakistan or not.

Obviously that is his personal choice, no one can force him to travel anywhere.

Again, his personal choice if he did not list for PSL draft.

I am just asking for the reason for refusal to travel to Pakistan so I can criticize because it has to be something to stupid which gain him little support and attention.

Oh yea, nothing wrong with Pakistan as Sri Lanka tour and other players have visited recently.

Remember top #1 destination to visit is Pakistan

Problem is at one point you are saying you have no issue with his personal decision and yet at another you wanna know why he made the personal decision of not touring. I guess you gotta decide which one is it.

 

[felictyinneed]

I agree with the majority here, it's his choice and we need to respect that. BD is still traveling guys, and Mushfiqur might have other reasons like he needs rest. He is one of the senior members, even Tamim requested leave for two series, while Kohli didn't play against us in India. Mental health needs to be looked at in modern cricket and people just don't get it.

Also, nobody has spoken about the Christchurch attack and it being fresh in all the cricketer's mind from BD. Mushy tweeted he never wanted to see this again, these are just sportsmen who have families, you can call them whatever you want but the mental pressure of being in an attack like that revoking memories can be devastating. Cricket is not everything, seniors like Mushfique specially see it that way now. Life is more important, also it gives us chances to try out new and exciting prospects.

 

[felictyinneed]

Found his tweet:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Alhamdulillah Allah save us today while shooting in Christchurch in the mosque...we r extremely lucky...never want to see this things happen again....pray for us</p>— Mushfiqur Rahim (@mushfiqur15) <a href="https://twitter.com/mushfiqur15/status/1106380873551626241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MMHS]

Smart move to get IPL contract next time.

You have to improve your perception about Indians - I don’t think they are that idiot as you may think of them.

 

[MMHS]

I have travelled Pakistan at least 12 times in my life, 10 of those in between 2000 to 2013 and I actually like Karachi (mom was born there), particularly Clifton beach area; had been in couple of restaurants there. I had been in Islamabad few times as well and stayed in that Marriott hotel few months prior to that blast. These days, there is ab Air Canada direct flight from Toronto to Karachi, so last time I gave a thought that we’ll travel via Karachi with a day resting there; also Emeritus flight had a 14 hour transit at Dubai hence it wasn’t much of a delay & and cost would have been similar ..... my wife immediately said no travelling via Pakistan, not with kids.

You can say anything to anyone, but security perception is something that’s like pigeon in city squire - it flies away at one shot, but comes back one by one. PAK has to earn something hard way - it’s frustrating indeed, but patience is the key here - every forward move by even an inch is a success.

For Mushi, I am sure it’s his family, otherwise Mahmood is his bro in law (wives are siblings), and he’ll lead the side most likely. And, I can tell one thing - what Indian team suffered at Karachi from the crowds, fraction of that - BD team will return to airport direct from the ground. It’s not a threat, rather information for that intelligent people - you may not like it, but that’s reality.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Why are people making a big deal out of this? It's the man's choice. If he doesn't feel safe, he doesn't feel safe.

 

[Usman Chadda]

He has every right to not come. Should respect his decision, rather than get salty guys.

 

[ahsan17]

I have travelled Pakistan at least 12 times in my life, 10 of those in between 2000 to 2013 and I actually like Karachi (mom was born there), particularly Clifton beach area; had been in couple of restaurants there. I had been in Islamabad few times as well and stayed in that Marriott hotel few months prior to that blast. These days, there is ab Air Canada direct flight from Toronto to Karachi, so last time I gave a thought that we’ll travel via Karachi with a day resting there; also Emeritus flight had a 14 hour transit at Dubai hence it wasn’t much of a delay & and cost would have been similar ..... my wife immediately said no travelling via Pakistan, not with kids.

You can say anything to anyone, but security perception is something that’s like pigeon in city squire - it flies away at one shot, but comes back one by one. PAK has to earn something hard way - it’s frustrating indeed, but patience is the key here - every forward move by even an inch is a success.

For Mushi, I am sure it’s his family, otherwise Mahmood is his bro in law (wives are siblings), and he’ll lead the side most likely. And, I can tell one thing - what Indian team suffered at Karachi from the crowds, fraction of that - BD team will return to airport direct from the ground. It’s not a threat, rather information for that intelligent people - you may not like it, but that’s reality.

It might be a good idea to show this to your wife:

https://www.satp.org/datasheet-terrorist-attack/fatalities/pakistan

Basically, terrorism is at a low since data collecting begin 2 decades ago. It is at over 90% less than at its peak.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Apart from Babar, he is comfortably better than any batsman in Pakistan at the moment. It is a shame that he isn’t coming especially with Shakib unavailable as well.

The tour is already a joke with the scheduling and the absence of top players is only going to devalue it further.

Nevertheless, Mushfiq doesn’t owe anyone an explanation as long as he is not violating BCB code of conduct.

This matter is between him and BCB and not for Pakistani media and fans to speculate. We need to drop our false sense of entitlement. Foreign players are under no obligation to help the restoration of international cricket in Pakistan.

If you are that bitter about the tour schedule, maybe should skip the series aswell like Mushfiq, and not watch it or comment on the series

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

I have travelled Pakistan at least 12 times in my life, 10 of those in between 2000 to 2013 and I actually like Karachi (mom was born there), particularly Clifton beach area; had been in couple of restaurants there. I had been in Islamabad few times as well and stayed in that Marriott hotel few months prior to that blast. These days, there is ab Air Canada direct flight from Toronto to Karachi, so last time I gave a thought that we’ll travel via Karachi with a day resting there; also Emeritus flight had a 14 hour transit at Dubai hence it wasn’t much of a delay & and cost would have been similar ..... my wife immediately said no travelling via Pakistan, not with kids.

You can say anything to anyone, but security perception is something that’s like pigeon in city squire - it flies away at one shot, but comes back one by one. PAK has to earn something hard way - it’s frustrating indeed, but patience is the key here - every forward move by even an inch is a success.

For Mushi, I am sure it’s his family, otherwise Mahmood is his bro in law (wives are siblings), and he’ll lead the side most likely. And, I can tell one thing - what Indian team suffered at Karachi from the crowds, fraction of that - BD team will return to airport direct from the ground. It’s not a threat, rather information for that intelligent people - you may not like it, but that’s reality.

It could be wrong but there's no better crowd anywhere in the Asian hemisphere than Pakistan these days.

Also, even back in 2005 etc. when India visited Pakistan with regularity, the crowd used to be super supportive. Balaji was a cult figure and the fans loved him more than even their own players and I've been a witness to this as I saw one of the Pindi tests.

A few idiots can be anywhere, on forums, in crowds, in alleys, at airports but they aren't the metric of judging a society.

Mushfiqur not coming to Pakistan is his choice and it should be respected. However, no place in the world is completely "safe" now. Be it downtown Toronto, Kungsgåtan Sweden, London tube, or Christchurch and that's the reality of the world we live in.

Hope you and your family visit Pakistan someday, have a good safe trip, and enjoy the hospitality that the people have to offer on a people to people scale.

 

[topspin]

Found his tweet:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Alhamdulillah Allah save us today while shooting in Christchurch in the mosque...we r extremely lucky...never want to see this things happen again....pray for us</p>— Mushfiqur Rahim (@mushfiqur15) <a href="https://twitter.com/mushfiqur15/status/1106380873551626241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Good spot this. It shows Mushfiqur is clearly traumatised by the events that happened in NZ.

Pakistan might be a lot safer than what it was in the early 2010s but it still has that reputation for all these religious fanatics and militant groups roaming around the country.

Also with Misbah as Head Coach, I wouldn't be interested in taking this Pakistan team seriously anyway, if I was in Mushfiqur's shoes.

 

[topspin]

He knew he was gonna fail. So might as well not come.

He has little feet but a big brain

Said like a proud member of the green tinted hype bridgade.

FYI, he would walk into Pakistan's team in all three formats as a batsman alone.

 

[topspin]

If you are that bitter about the tour schedule, maybe should skip the series aswell like Mushfiq, and not watch it or comment on the series

I don't blame Mamoon, with Misbah still in charge I don't see why anyone should be so thrilled about this tour. Also it's quite embarrassing that we have let Banglades split the test series over two trips.

 

[Rana]

As I said, you are too kind. You have missed a dozen batsmen both in and out of the team who are also better than Mushfiq.

The reality is that he walks into the Pakistan side in all three formats. You can live in denial if you want to, since reality is often bitter.

You make big claims with no backing. First you said he is comfortably better than all other Pakistani batsmen except Babar, and now you say that he walks into the Pakistan side in all three formats. They are two very different claims. Why dont you back your claims with some proof instead of just making things up from thin air?

 

[Mamoon]

You make big claims with no backing. First you said he is comfortably better than all other Pakistani batsmen except Babar, and now you say that he walks into the Pakistan side in all three formats. They are two very different claims. Why dont you back your claims with some proof instead of just making things up from thin air?

There are two different claims with the same meaning. He is better than everyone bar Babar and walks into the side in all formats.

What tall claims? It is pretty clear you haven’t watched him bat in the last 5 years. He is an excellent batsman and someone like him at 4 or 5 would clearly improve our team.

 

[Mamoon]

If you are that bitter about the tour schedule, maybe should skip the series aswell like Mushfiq, and not watch it or comment on the series

Maybe I won’t. Pakistan stinks of mediocrity and Bangladesh are without two world class players.

Might catch Babar’s highlights if he scores.

 

[Rana]

There are two different claims with the same meaning. He is better than everyone bar Babar and walks into the side in all formats.

What tall claims? It is pretty clear you haven’t watched him bat in the last 5 years. He is an excellent batsman and someone like him at 4 or 5 would clearly improve our team.

I’ve watched him play and I know exactly how good he is. He is good but you are making assumptions up due to your bias against Pakistan. He is definitely a better keeper bat than what Pakistan have produced in the last 4/5 years but he is not a better Middle order or top order batsman than quite a few names. Check his statistics from the last 5 years and how much he averages against the top teams, not SL, WI and Zimbabwe

 

[Mamoon]

I’ve watched him play and I know exactly how good he is. He is good but you are making assumptions up due to your bias against Pakistan. He is definitely a better keeper bat than what Pakistan have produced in the last 4/5 years but he is not a better Middle order or top order batsman than quite a few names. Check his statistics from the last 5 years and how much he averages against the top teams, not SL, WI and Zimbabwe

Of course I am biased against Pakistan. I am tired of how garbage we are and I cannot cheerlead mediocrity forever. There is a limit to everything.

SL, WI and Zimbabwe is Pakistan’s level and any batsman who is prolific against them deserves a place in the side.

Mushfiq has also done well against India, New Zealand and Australia especially in ODIs.

You cannot convince me that he won’t make the Pakistan side in any format purely as a batsman, so please don’t try.

 

[topspin]

I’ve watched him play and I know exactly how good he is. He is good but you are making assumptions up due to your bias against Pakistan. He is definitely a better keeper bat than what Pakistan have produced in the last 4/5 years but he is not a better Middle order or top order batsman than quite a few names. Check his statistics from the last 5 years and how much he averages against the top teams, not SL, WI and Zimbabwe

Here's a challenge for you Mr Rana ji. Other than Babar, name me one batsman for Pakistan (in any format) who is superior to Mushfiqur with the bat?

 

[Rana]

Of course I am biased against Pakistan. I am tired of how garbage we are and I cannot cheerlead mediocrity forever. There is a limit to everything.

SL, WI and Zimbabwe is Pakistan’s level and any batsman who is prolific against them deserves a place in the side.

Mushfiq has also done well against India, New Zealand and Australia especially in ODIs.

You cannot convince me that he won’t make the Pakistan side in any format purely as a batsman, so please don’t try.

When have I once disputed this claim that he can’t make it into the Pakistan side as a batsman? I’ve simply disputed your uninformed claim that he is better than all Pakistan batsmen (in all formats) besides Babar which you cannot convince me or any sensible cricket fan otherwise. I’ve named you the players in each format that he is incapable of replacing as batsmen. Prove me otherwise.

 

[Rana]

Here's a challenge for you Mr Rana ji. Other than Babar, name me one batsman for Pakistan (in any format) who is superior to Mushfiqur with the bat?

Easy. Harris Sohail. That’s one

 

[Rana]

I argue, Asad Shafiq is a better Test batsman than Mushfiqur Rahim. Let’s not even go on Azhar Ali’s level yet.

 

[topspin]

Easy. Harris Sohail. That’s one

Check Mushfiqur's ODI stats for each calendar year since 2014. If that doesn't change your mind then you're in denial.

 

[Rana]

Check Mushfiqur's ODI stats for each calendar year since 2014. If that doesn't change your mind then you're in denial.

HS averages 46 in ODI brother

Mushfiq averages 40 odd in ODI since 2014. It’s not even close

 

[Mesozoic]

Mushfiq is hands down the better all format batsman than any Pak batter except Babar. Anyone who thinks otherwise is just deluding himself to the core.

 

[Rana]

Mushfiq is hands down the better all format batsman than any Pak batter except Babar. Anyone who thinks otherwise is just deluding himself to the core.

Prove it with Stats. Otherwise you are deluding yourself with the anti Pakistan brigade

 

[topspin]

HS averages 46 in ODI brother

Mushfiq averages 40 odd in ODI since 2014. It’s not even close

Incorrect he averaged 48.68 in ODIs since 2014.

I doubt Haris Sohail could maintain that standard over a period of 5-6 years given his lack of fitness and laziness.

Also, Haris averages 46 after 41 ODIs, whereas Mushfiqur is averaging 50.82 from his last 51 ODIs (over 2017 - 2019).

As I said in my last post, if these facts don't change your mind then you're in denial.