President of Bangladesh Cricket Board didn’t want Mustafizur Rahman to feature in the warm-up game

President of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Nazmul Hasan had directed the team management in England not to play left-arm pacer, Mustafizur Rahman, in the warm-up match against Pakistan which was won by Sarfraz Ahmed-led side. Papon wanted Rahman to be used for the main tournament alone.

Rahman playing in the practice games was an idea opposed by the President probably because he didn’t want Bangladesh’s best weapon to be over-used and not put too much of burden on him. Rahman has been a huge success story for the country ever since his debut.

“I did not want Mustafiz [ur Rahman] to play [against Pakistan], Papon was quoted as saying by Bdcrictime.com. “This [Rahman] boy has been playing all the matches,” he added.

The president feels Fizz needed a break 

They wanted to reserve the best for the tournament opener between Bangladesh and England on June 1. Papon believes it was an all-important break for the youngster, who had been a revelation with the cherry before injury-marred him.

Bangladesh have two warm-up games to play and have already lost the first one to Pakistan. Tamim Iqbal’s century went in vain after the Tigers posted 341 for nine on board. Pakistan chased down the target in 49.3 overs.

Bangladesh will be hugely dependent on Rahman 

Rahman made his debut in 2015 and has since then featured in 18 One-Day Internationals followed by 17 Twenty20 Internationals and four Tests. He also won the IPL emerging player of the year award in 2016.

The youngster has 43 ODI wickets at an average of 16 and 27 wickets in T20Is at an average of 14.92. The Tigers will heavily rely on Rahman for their three main matches. Rubel Hossain is another quick Bangladesh will be dependent on, and he will be playing second fiddle to the pace spearhead.

The tournament, into its 8^th season, begins on June 1 and all matches will be broadcast live.