Mushfiqur Rahim to opt out of playing the T20Is on the Zimbabwe tour

Mushfiqur Rahim has informed Bangladesh's selectors that he wants to opt out of playing the T20Is against Zimbabwe next month. The BCB hasn't approved his request yet but in recent months they have been understanding of the strain placed on players by bubble life.

Bangladesh are likely to be in Zimbabwe from June 29 to July 28. They will start off quarantining at a hotel, which could vary between five to seven days. Then they will play a one-off Test, three ODIs and three T20Is. July 23, 25 and 27 are likely to be the dates for the T20Is.

This is the second time that Rahim, who plays all three formats, has asked for a break for any reason other than injuries. He had opted out of the Pakistan tours last year, saying that his family was concerned for his safety.

"Mushfiq has requested for a break during the T20Is, but he is available for the Test and ODIs. I think he may be tired after playing for so long, which is why he wants the leave. We will decide once he officially informs the cricket operations department," chief selector Minhajul Abedin said.

Shortly after Bangladesh return home, they are scheduled to play five T20Is against Australia. New Zealand are supposed to arrive in September to play a T20I series, and England are slated for three T20Is and three ODIs in October. Then comes the T20 World Cup.

Rahim has been playing continuously, as well as abiding by Covid-19 protocols, since October last year. After the two domestic tournaments, Rahim played two Tests and three ODIs against West Indies at home, before touring New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh played against Sri Lanka again in May, after which all the players went back into the Dhaka Premier League T20 bio-bubble, when the tournament started on May 31. Rahim plays for Abahani Limited.