Mushfiqur’s 100th celebrated in style

Bangla Press Desk:   Mushfiqur Rahim received a grand honour on Wednesday as he became the first Bangladeshi cricketer to reach the historic milestone of 100 Test matches — marking the occasion with an unbeaten 99 in his landmark Test. A special ceremony was held before the start of the opening day of the second Test against Ireland at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.

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As part of the tribute to his remarkable journey, Mushfiqur was presented with two commemorative jerseys — one signed by the teammates who shared his debut at Lord’s in 2005, and the other autographed by the current Bangladesh Test squad. His first Test captain Habibul Bashar and current skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto jointly handed over the jerseys, symbolising two decades of service to the national team. Habibul — who handed him his maiden cap in 2005 — also presented a specially crafted commemorative cap.

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Bangladesh’s first Test cricketer Akram Khan then stepped forward to present a ceremonial casket holding the milestone cap, before Mushfiqur received a plaque from BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul and Cricket Operations chairman Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, his long-time mentor.

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The ceremony, hosted by former Bangladesh cricketer and commentator Athar Ali Khan, drew several of Mushfiqur’s teammates from his debut era — Mohammad Rafique, Khaled Masud Pilot, Nafis Iqbal, Anwar Hossain Monir, Talha Jubair, Shahriar Nafees and Mohammad Ashraful — all members of that famous Lord’s Test. Mushfiqur’s family was present as well.

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An emotional Mushfiqur thanked everyone who shaped his cricketing journey. “Thanks to Almighty Allah for this great opportunity. I’d like to thank my family — my parents and especially my wife, who sacrificed a lot of sleepless nights,” he said. “Most importantly, my teammates, coaches, friends back home and all my fans. I will always try to give my 100 percent for Bangladesh cricket. Hopefully we will have a great match to celebrate, Inshallah.”

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Shanto paid tribute to his senior teammate’s intensity and selflessness. “Congratulations! It’s a brilliant achievement for you and your family,” he said. “Everyone talks about your madness and hard work, but what inspires us most is that you always play for the team, not for individual milestones." 

At stumps, his long-time batting partner Mominul Haque reflected on the unique atmosphere in Mirpur. “I have never seen this kind of environment before,” he said with a smile. “At one point, I thought it was heading toward a retirement ceremony. I’ve seen similar scenes abroad — and this felt like that.” 

Mominul said the celebration would inspire the next generation. “If this culture continues in Bangladesh, youngsters will dream of playing Test cricket and reaching 100 Tests,” he said. He added that Mushfiqur looked completely assured at the crease. “He was calm, quiet and totally in control — just like his first Test.”

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Like many fans, Mominul expected Mushfiqur to reach a century on the opening day, but Ireland’s slowing tactics delayed the moment. “Towards the end, I thought it would happen today, but they took too long,” he said. “But I’m not worried. He is used to scoring hundreds and even double-hundreds. I’m confident he will finish it tomorrow.” 

Later in the day, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, adviser for youth and sports, visited the venue alongside BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul to present Mushfiqur with a memento.

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“We hope many more players will follow in Mushfiq bhai’s footsteps and reach the 100-Test milestone,” Asif said.

“For many of us who grew up watching him, our childhood memories are linked with Mushfiq bhai. When Bangladesh were struggling and he walked out to bat, we always felt a sense of relief — that things would now stabilise, that runs would come, that we’d survive out there.”
BP/SP