The 27-year-old Narail-born seamer injured his right knee recently and was ignored by the selectors. Mortaza had claimed he was fit, but the Bangladesh Cricket Board selectors chose to leave him out.
Bangladesh all-rounder Mashrafe Mortaza is disappointed that he could not make it to the national squad for the World Cup and is also surprised by the reaction of his fans, who went rioting and formed a 300km long human chain, protesting his non-inclusion.
The 27-year-old Narail-born seamer injured his right knee recently and was ignored by the selectors. Mortaza had claimed he was fit, but the Bangladesh Cricket Board selectors chose to leave him out.
“It is disappointing to have been left out of the squad. We are playing at home for the first time (in the World Cup). I can’t do anything about it, I’ll try and make a comeback as soon as possible,” Mortaza told DNA from Bangladesh.
The all-rounder’s fans wreaked havoc by protesting against his non-inclusion with a half-day strike. “I am thankful for all the support from my fans. However, I don’t agree with riots and people getting injured. It feels nice to see people out there shouting your name. This shows their love for me. It is hard to see this kind of love for sportspersons anymore. I am overwhelmed,” Mortaza said.
Mortaza, who has featured in 118 ODIs, is now focusing on making a comeback. “Talking about why I was not picked won’t help me get into the side now. I am thinking about the future now. I hope to make a comeback soon. I am training hard,” he said.
As far as Bangladesh’s chances in the World Cup are concerned, Mortaza feels they are an improved unit. “We have done really well in the past few series against Zimbabwe, England and, of course, New Zealand. We are playing really well and the boys are confident of putting up a better show this time. If we play up to our potential, we can qualify for the knockouts,” he said.
The former Kolkata Knight Riders player reckons India and Sri Lanka are the title favourites. “For me, it’s India, closely followed by Sri Lanka. India have a balanced side with a great batting line-up and a superb bowling attack. Dhoni has been a good leader while everyone knows what Yusuf Pathan can do. Do I need to say what Tendulkar is? He is my icon and a great batsman,” said Mortaza.
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