On March 5, 2025, the cricketing world witnessed the end of a monumental chapter as Mushfiqur Rahim, Bangladesh’s most-capped ODI player and a true cricketing legend, announced his retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket. The announcement came via an emotional post on his official Facebook page, just days after Bangladesh’s disappointing exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With 274 ODI appearances, 7,795 runs, and a legacy as one of the finest wicketkeeper-batters in the game, Rahim’s departure marks the formal transition of Bangladesh cricket from its golden generation—comprising icons like Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, and Mahmudullah Riyad—to a new era.
This blog post delves into Mushfiqur Rahim’s illustrious ODI career, the circumstances surrounding his retirement, his contributions to Bangladesh cricket, and what lies ahead for the veteran as he shifts focus to Test cricket. Let’s celebrate the journey of “Mr. Dependable” and reflect on why his ODI retirement resonates deeply with fans and players alike.
Mushfiqur Rahim’s ODI Career: A Statistical Marvel
Mushfiqur Rahim made his ODI debut on August 2, 2006, against Zimbabwe in Harare at the tender age of 19. Over the next 19 years, he became the backbone of Bangladesh’s batting lineup and a reliable presence behind the stumps. His career statistics speak volumes about his consistency and impact:
- Matches Played: 274 (most by any Bangladeshi in ODIs)
- Runs Scored: 7,795 (second-highest for Bangladesh, behind Tamim Iqbal’s 8,357)
- Batting Average: 36.42
- Centuries: 9
- Fifties: 49
- Wicketkeeping Stats: 243 catches and 56 stumpings (highest by a Bangladeshi keeper in ODIs)
Rahim’s nine ODI centuries place him among elite wicketkeepers, trailing only Kumar Sangakkara (9), Adam Gilchrist (16), and MS Dhoni (10) in terms of tons scored while keeping wickets. His seven centuries as a designated keeper rank fourth all-time, a testament to his dual prowess with bat and gloves.
One of his standout moments came during the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, where a 56* against India helped Bangladesh secure a historic upset, knocking the cricketing giants out of the tournament. Another highlight was his unbroken streak of 92 consecutive ODIs between 2010 and 2016, showcasing his durability and commitment.
The Champions Trophy 2025: A Challenging Farewell
Rahim’s decision to retire from ODIs followed Bangladesh’s lackluster performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, held in Pakistan and Dubai. The Tigers failed to win a single match, suffering defeats against India and New Zealand, with their final group game against Pakistan washed out due to rain. Rahim’s personal contributions in the tournament were minimal—scores of 0 against India and 2 against New Zealand—drawing criticism from fans and analysts amid a broader scrutiny of his recent form.
In his retirement post, Rahim alluded to these struggles: “The last few weeks have been very challenging for me, and I have come to realize that this is my destiny.” The Champions Trophy exit, coupled with Bangladesh’s limited global success in the format, likely influenced his decision to step away from ODIs at age 37. With the next major ODI event—the 2027 World Cup—two years away, Rahim chose to bid farewell, leaving behind a legacy etched in resilience and dedication.
A Legacy of Dedication and Leadership
Mushfiqur Rahim’s ODI career wasn’t just about numbers; it was defined by his unwavering commitment to Bangladesh cricket. As he wrote in his retirement announcement: “While our achievements may have been limited on a global level, one thing is certain: whenever I stepped onto the field for my country, I gave more than 100% with dedication and honesty.” This ethos made him a fan favorite and a role model for aspiring cricketers.
Rahim also served as Bangladesh’s ODI captain from 2011 to 2014, leading the team in 37 matches. His captaincy record—11 wins, 24 losses, and 2 no-results—may not reflect dominance, but it came during a transitional phase for the team. His leadership laid the groundwork for Bangladesh’s emergence as a competitive ODI side in the subsequent decade, with memorable victories against India, South Africa, and England.
Among his iconic knocks, the 2014 Asia Cup century against India—scored despite a rib injury—stands out as a testament to his grit. Teammate Mahmudullah recalled this in his farewell message: “I still remember your century in Dubai while playing with broken ribs. This proves your respect, dedication, and hardworking temperament.”
Tributes from Peers: A Legend Remembered
The announcement of Rahim’s ODI retirement prompted an outpouring of tributes from teammates and cricketing figures. Tamim Iqbal, Bangladesh’s highest ODI run-scorer and a longtime teammate, shared an emotional video on Facebook: “Dear friend, whatever you have achieved, things you have done for Bangladesh as a captain and as a player, will be remembered for ages.” Tamim expressed hope that Rahim would reach 100 Test matches, a milestone yet to be achieved by a Bangladeshi.
Mahmudullah, another pillar of Bangladesh’s golden generation, wrote: “Undoubtedly, you are a gem of Bangladesh cricket. Wish you all the best in your journey in red-ball cricket.” These sentiments echo the sentiment on X, where fans hailed Rahim as “Mr. Dependable” and a “warrior” whose match-winning knocks would never be forgotten.
Why Now? The Timing of Rahim’s Retirement
Rahim’s retirement aligns with a broader shift in Bangladesh cricket. With Tamim Iqbal retiring in 2023, Shakib Al Hasan nearing the twilight of his career, and Mahmudullah’s role diminishing, the team is transitioning away from its golden generation. The Champions Trophy debacle highlighted the need for fresh talent, and Rahim’s exit paves the way for younger players like Litton Das and Nurul Hasan to take center stage.
Having retired from T20Is in 2022 following the T20 World Cup, Rahim had already narrowed his focus. His ODI retirement leaves Test cricket as his sole international format, where he has played 88 matches and scored 5,676 runs, including 10 centuries. At 37, he remains a vital asset in the longest format, and fans hope he can achieve Tamim’s wish of reaching 100 Tests.
What’s Next for Mushfiqur Rahim?
While the ODI chapter closes, Rahim’s cricketing journey continues in Test cricket. His most recent Test century—a gritty 105 against Zimbabwe in 2024—shows he still has plenty to offer. Bangladesh’s Test schedule includes series against India and South Africa in 2025, offering Rahim opportunities to cement his legacy further.
Off the field, Rahim’s influence as a mentor could shape Bangladesh’s next generation. His 19 years of international experience, coupled with his reputation for professionalism, make him a potential coach or advisor in the future. For now, though, the focus remains on Test cricket, where he aims to add to his tally of 88 caps.
Conclusion: A Farewell to Bangladesh’s Finest
Mushfiqur Rahim’s ODI retirement is more than the end of a career—it’s the closing of a chapter for Bangladesh cricket. From his debut in 2006 to his final bow in 2025, Rahim embodied dedication, resilience, and pride in representing his nation. His 7,795 runs, 274 matches, and countless memories behind the stumps leave an indelible mark on the game.
As he wrote in his farewell: “Lastly, I would like to deeply thank my family, friends, and my fans for whom I have played cricket for the last 19 years.” The gratitude is mutual—Bangladesh cricket owes Rahim a debt for his service. While the Champions Trophy 2025 may not have been the fairy-tale ending he deserved, his legacy as a Bangladesh cricket legend endures. Here’s to Mushfiqur Rahim—a warrior, a leader, and forever “Mr. Dependable.”
