On March 5, 2025, Mushfiqur Rahim, the quiet powerhouse behind Bangladesh’s rise in international cricket, stepped away from One Day Internationals — not with a roar, but with the calm of a man who’d already given everything. At 37, after 17 years, 350 international matches, and a legacy etched in every century, he walked off the field for the final time in the 50-over format. His retirement came as a surprise to few: the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy squad announcement in January had already hinted at the end of an era. Rahim, the wicket-keeper batsman who once carried Bangladesh’s hopes on his shoulders, leaves behind a trail of records no other Bangladeshi has touched — and a void no one else seems ready to fill.
A Legacy Built on Patience and Precision
Rahim didn’t burst onto the scene with fireworks. He debuted against England at Trent Bridge in 2005, a 17-year-old with a stiff back and a stubborn will. Over the next two decades, he became the backbone of Bangladesh’s batting order — not the flashiest, but the most reliable. His 102 not out against Australia in Adelaide on February 28, 2015, wasn’t just a century; it was a statement. Bangladesh, chasing 333/8 — their highest ODI total at the time — lost the match by six wickets, but Rahim’s innings became the spark that lit a fire in the nation’s cricketing soul. For the first time, Bangladesh looked like they belonged on the world stage. That World Cup run, which took them to the quarterfinals, was the beginning of their transformation from punching bags to contenders.The 150-Win Milestone: A Quiet Revolution
On May 25, 2021, at the Galle International Stadium, Rahim did something no Bangladeshi had ever done. With a composed 125 off 147 balls against Sri Lanka, he powered Bangladesh to a 79-run victory, sealing a 2-0 series win — their first bilateral ODI series triumph against a Full Member nation outside Asia since 2018. That innings wasn’t just about runs; it was the moment he crossed the 150-win threshold in international cricket, surpassing Shakib Al Hasan’s previous record. It was the quiet culmination of a career defined by consistency. He didn’t need to hit sixes to win games — he needed to stay at the crease, anchor the innings, and let others flourish. In that 2021 series, he amassed 237 runs across two matches, earning man of the series. The Bangladesh Cricket Board, headquartered in Mirpur, Dhaka, called it "historic." Fans called it inevitable.The Five Centuries That Defined a Generation
Rahim’s five ODI centuries weren’t just statistics — they were turning points:- 106 vs Pakistan, Dhaka, April 17, 2015 — Bangladesh won by 37 runs, their first win over Pakistan in ODIs since 2007.
- 107 vs Zimbabwe, Dhaka, November 7, 2015 — a crushing 218-run win that signaled Bangladesh’s growing dominance at home.
- 110* vs South Africa, Kimberley, October 15, 2017 — even in defeat, he refused to fold.
- 102* vs Australia, Adelaide, February 28, 2015 — the World Cup moment that changed perceptions.
- 125 vs Sri Lanka, Galle, May 25, 2021 — the 150-win milestone, the final act of his ODI legacy.
Who Will Fill the Void?
His retirement leaves Bangladesh’s middle order in uncharted territory. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, speaking the day after the announcement, didn’t mince words: "Replacing Mushfiqur’s experience in crunch situations will be our biggest challenge moving forward." The 2025 Champions Trophy squad, which Rahim was named to but won’t play in, now lacks a proven finisher in high-pressure run chases. Young batsmen like Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy have talent, but none have shown the mental steel Rahim displayed in 350 matches. Former captain Habibul Bashar, speaking to The Daily Star in 2021, put it best: "Mushfiqur’s leadership and batting consistency provided the backbone for Bangladesh’s golden generation."Test Cricket and What’s Next
Rahim isn’t leaving cricket — just the 50-over format. He remains active in Test cricket, with two matches on the horizon: a fixture against Sri Lanka at Galle on June 17, 2025 (which ended in a draw), and a crucial Test against Ireland at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on November 20, 2025. That match could be his 99th Test — a number that feels symbolic. And while he hasn’t confirmed it yet, the Bangladesh Cricket Board is already discussing a coaching role in their high-performance unit. His understanding of pressure, technique, and temperament makes him a natural mentor.
Financial Impact and Cultural Weight
Rahim earned roughly $1 million annually under his BCB central contract, plus significant income from the Bangladesh Premier League, where he captained the Khulna Tigers. But his value went far beyond paychecks. He became a symbol of resilience — a player who never flinched under pressure, who carried the hopes of a nation that had long been dismissed. His retirement isn’t just the end of a career; it’s the closing of a chapter in Bangladesh’s sporting identity.Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Mushfiqur Rahim retire from ODIs but not Tests?
Rahim cited the physical toll of keeping wicket across formats and the desire to extend his Test career as key reasons. He remains a vital presence in Test cricket, where his batting discipline and experience are still critical. The BCB supports this decision, seeing him as a bridge between generations in the longer format.
How does his retirement affect Bangladesh’s chances in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy?
Without Rahim, Bangladesh loses its most reliable middle-order anchor in high-pressure ODI games. His absence leaves a gap in both scoring and stability, especially against top-tier teams. Analysts believe this could be a decisive factor if Bangladesh faces teams like India or Australia in the knockout stages.
What records did Mushfiqur Rahim hold at the time of retirement?
At retirement, Rahim held the record for most international appearances by a Bangladeshi (350), most international wins (150), and most ODI centuries by a Bangladeshi (five). He is also the only Bangladeshi to score a century in a World Cup and win a bilateral ODI series against Sri Lanka away from home.
Who is likely to replace him as Bangladesh’s primary wicket-keeper batsman in ODIs?
Litton Das is the frontrunner, having already kept wicket in several ODIs since 2023. However, his batting consistency under pressure remains unproven compared to Rahim’s. The BCB may also promote young talent like Rishad Hossain, but no one currently in the squad has Rahim’s track record in crunch situations.
Will Mushfiqur Rahim be considered for Bangladesh’s Hall of Fame?
Absolutely. With his 150 international wins, five ODI centuries, and role in Bangladesh’s rise from minnows to consistent World Cup participants, he’s already a lock. The BCB is expected to honor him officially in 2026, possibly during the home Test against Ireland in November 2025.
What’s the significance of his final Test match against Ireland?
That match on November 20, 2025, could be Rahim’s 99th Test — a number that carries poetic weight. If he plays, it will be his final appearance in Test cricket, capping a 20-year journey that began with his debut against England. It’s not just another match; it’s a farewell tour in slow motion, allowing fans to honor him properly before he steps away entirely.
