Kolkata: Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman who took last year’s IPL by storm and was part of the winning team the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), has returned this year to play the cash rich tournament. In an exclusive interview with SportsCrunch, facilitated by his manager Kaustav Lahiri, the 21-year old who has already created a lot of hype, talks about the IPL, injuries and the current scenario of cricket in Bangladesh. Excerpts:
What made the Bangladesh Cricket Board send you to play the IPL 2017?
This shall be a good match practice and will help my game.
Injuries have been a major setback for you. Even though you have returned to the IPL, are you completely match fit?
Yes. I am completely match fit. I did spend some time in the nets and I’ve been feeling okay.
Bangladeshi and New Zealand are set to play a tri-series in Ireland from May 12. The IPL will be on that time. How long will you be available for the SRH?
See, as long as the board wants me to play, I will. If they call me during the IPL to play for the national team, I have to go because National duty always comes first.
SRH skipper David Warner has always praised you and has shared a good relation with you. Your reaction…
Well, firstly I am very thankful to him for giving me a chance to represent his team. He has always been very encouraging and I look forward to justifying the faith that he has in me.
Any message for the young Rashid Khan who has been impressive in this year’s IPL?
Yes. He is really a talented player. That is why he has grabbed the attention. All my good wishes to him.
Lastly, Bangladesh has had a good series against Sri Lanka. Since then, how has the cricketing scenario changed in the country?
A lot has changed. Firstly, the boys have gained a lot more confidence now and before the Champions Trophy, this series has really been a good experience.