Mustafizur Rahman pleased with ICC award on gala night

Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman has seen an unprecedented surge in his career and has now also found himself the beneficiary of the ICC’s Emerging player award apart from the fact that he has made a comeback to the game after almost five months out with an injury. While this ‘double delight’ is certainly one that calls for a celebration, he will be thrust into arms once again in New Zealand wherein he will be expected to make a name for himself on wickets that offer pace.

“It’s a double delight for me as I got the award and also bowled comfortably in my first competitive match after returning from my shoulder injury.

“I had no complaints during bowling and I could generate pace. I am happy with the way I bowled in the practice match,” Mustafizur told The Daily Star over the phone after taking two wickets at Whangarei in the tour match against New Zealand XI.

“This award is the best gift of the year for me and will encourage me to do even better in the coming years. I’m delighted and proud to win this award, especially since it’s the first time that a Bangladesh player has won an ICC award.

Mustafizur added that to play international cricket for his country was certainly a dream come true. “To play international cricket is a dream for every budding cricketer and it has been a dream come true for me. I want to thank everyone who has supported me over the years and I promise to give my best at every opportunity,” was Mustafizur’s reaction to the ICC award.

Minhajul Hasan also was pleased to see Mustafizur back where he belongs. “It was nice to watch the way Mustafizur bowled after returning from injury and it is good news for the team. He was as cunning as always and I hope things will be much better when it will be a real fight. Although we lost, I am happy with the overall performance of the team in the practice match, especially Soumya [Sarkar] getting runs came as a great relief to us,” said Minhajul.