Mashrafe Mortaza, Bangladesh’s ODI captain, Wins Parliamentary Elections From Narail-2 Constituency

Talking about his decision to join the politics, the 35-year-old said that after the end of his playing career, he is seeing a wonderful opportunity to serve the people of Bangladesh.

Published: December 31, 2018 9:51 AM IST

By India.com Sports Desk

Mashrafe Mortaza_picture credits-Twitter
Mashrafe Mortaza_picture credits-Twitter

Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza has won the parliamentary elections from Narail-2 Constituency, the result of which was declared on Sunday. Earlier, in an interview with ANI, the veteran cricketer made it clear that elections will not get him distracted from his first love that happens to be cricket. He also said that he has ambitions of representing Bangladesh in the 2019 Cricket World Cup.

Talking about his decision to join the politics, the 35-year-old said that after the end of his playing career, he is seeing a wonderful opportunity to serve the people of Bangladesh.

“My mindset is completely focused on training and the ODI series that’s coming up. I will only concentrate on that [the election campaign] after December 14,” ESPNcricinfo quoted Mortaza, as saying.

“If I play till the World Cup, I have about seven or eight months remaining in my playing career. I don’t know what I am going to do in the following four-and-a-half years. The Prime Minister has given me an opportunity to serve the people,” he added.

When asked about his retirement plans, Mortaza revealed that his personal goal is to play the 2019 World Cup adding that he might review his decision if he felt “completely different” after the prestigious tournament.

“My mindset was made up for the World Cup. At one point I didn’t know if I could go further than the Champions Trophy [last year], but fitness kept me going. I will review my decision if I feel differently after the World Cup,” he said.

“My personal goal was to play till the World Cup, which is eight months away. During this time I will be playing within my plan. Whether I will review my decision [to quit after the World Cup] or not, time will tell,” he added.

Mortaza has played a total of 36 Tests scalping 78 wickets with an economy rate of 3.24. In ODI’s he has picked up 252 wickets in 199 matches with an economy rate of 4.82.

(With ANI inputs)

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