'Mushfiqur to go Pakistan if security situation improves'

Former Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim revealed that he will not be available for the entire away series against Pakistan as his family did not agree for the tour.

But the 32-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman also said that he will tour Pakistan only if their security situation gets better and remains consistent, reports news agency UNB.

“I've already informed Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) that I'm not going to Pakistan for the upcoming series. I've submitted an official letter, and BCB accepted that. Not just T20Is, I'm unavailable for the entire series,” Mushfiqur told the media after the final of Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur, Dhaka on Friday.

“My family is afraid of the security condition in Pakistan. In this situation, I can’t go to Pakistan and play cricket there. It is always tough for me to sit down from a series of Bangladesh national team,” he added.

Mushfiqur also said that he had a proposal to play in Pakistan Super League (PSL) but he refused to it because of the event will take place in Pakistan this time around.

“My family is not supporting me to go to Pakistan. Cricket is not bigger than life. But at the same time, I would like to say yes, if the situation in Pakistan is better than before. I toured Pakistan in 2008 before that incident (terror attack on Sri Lankan team bus in 2009). Pakistan is a wonderful place to play cricket. The wickets of Pakistan are batting-friendly and I'll miss playing there. But if the situation gets better and remains better consistently, I would definitely love to go to Pakistan to play cricket,” Mushfiqur said.

Mushfiqur believes his vacant place will be filled easily and who will get chance will try his best for Bangladesh team.

“There're many players who did well in the BPL and in India series. I'll expect them to play well in the upcoming series as well. It’s an opportunity for the young guys. It’s really tough to play good cricket against a team like Pakistan in their home. But I believe the boys will pose a strong challenge," he hoped.