Mushfiqur’s Sylhet Switch: Cracks in the Rajshahi Camp Run Deep

If you believed that domestic cricket politics only existed in the murky corners, think again. Mushfiqur Rahim’s recent desire to leave his long-time Rajshahi colours for Sylhet Division has blown the lid off a bubbling cauldron of dressing-room controversy on the national stage; it is more delicious than a last-over T20 chase. When someone as loyal and level-headed as Mushfiqur wants out, you know something is off with Rajshahi.

A Dressing Room No One Wants to Enter

The crux of the problem? Team spirit is thicker than the air in a moldy basement after a flood. Senior players like captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, reportedly, want nothing to do with the squad, having little faith in it this year. The shared grievance — an “irregular yet influential,” Myshukur Rahaman, parachuted into a preliminary 30-man squad although he hadn’t played for Rajshahi since 2018, and he has unpaid dues from his time with the Dhaka Premier League. The consensus is that he’s a player who shouldn’t be anywhere near the setup.

It’s not only Myshukur’s return that has prompted controversy — it is also his alleged use of political connections to manipulate squad selections, including players like Sujon Hawlader, Emon Ali, and Shakir Hossain Shuvro, who are currently in form. Imagine doing all the work throughout the season, only to lose out to someone who has not worn the jersey in years. Ouch!

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Politics Over Performance?

Rajshahi cricket has always been associated with producing tough, local, organic talent. But right now, it appears that politics outweigh performance. Players are saying that Myshukur, who has backing from senior players Mizanur Rahman and Sunzamul Islam, has been forming the team to ensure they are maintaining their roster spots. Then you have an unknown player, Nur A Rayan Shammo, who appears to have been added to the squad based on being the son of a top political leader.

Normally, squad selection would be a collaboration between the captain and the coaches. This time? The initial list was signed off by the coaches, a sports association secretary, and Mushfiqur himself, with Shanto’s name being signed “on his behalf.” That’s as far as you can get from “team harmony.”

Mushfiqur’s Breaking Point

For Mushfiqur, this isn’t about turning his back on his roots; it’s about getting away from a toxic environment. He has been unhappy with the atmosphere for a year or two, and with it all coming to a head, the veteran appears ready to leave. If Mushfiqur moves to Sylhet (if approved), this would be a big gain — a statement that even the most loyal players have a limit.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has also taken action by asking that the squad list be revised due to the objections of senior players. A new 30-player squad list has been submitted, but it is not yet clear if this will suffice to fix the fractures. If the fractures are not reconciled, Rajshahi will be heading into the season deeply weakened, both in terms of talent and morale.

Mushfiqur’s possible departure is more than just a transfer; it is an alarm bell. If the actions of politically vested and personally motivated individuals continue to marginalize players based on everything but merit, then Rajshahi cricket’s proud history could be in trouble for the long haul. Now we just wait and wonder whether the people in charge will act to nip this in the bud before the whole damn thing collapses. Or will the next headline you read about Rajshahi be who is leaving rather than who is winning?