Mashrafe opts out of the DPL due to a lack of preparation

Former Bangladesh ODI skipper Mashrafe Mortaza is not going to participate in the upcoming Dhaka Premier League (DPL) due to a lack of preparation.

The 37-year old played one game for Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club last year before the tournament was called off due to Covid-19.

But Mashrafe said that he might feature in the latter part of the tournament.

He told The Business Standard (TBS), "We used to play a lot of domestic cricket before. Even if we were on a break, we knew when the next tournament would begin. But things have changed and we came to know about it just a few days back. So there wasn't enough time for me to get myself ready for the tournament. I couldn't get the chance to get myself prepared due to other responsibilities. It's difficult to play without enough preparation."

Mashrafe, a member of the parliament now, is not in a position to stay in a bio-secure bubble for three weeks.

"Bio-bubble is a reason as well. I am not in a position mentally to stay in a bubble for 20-22 days. The drive is not there too. It's not that some good performances will help me return to the national team. If it was otherwise, I could've taken the challenge. I wasn't included despite bagging a five-for in the Bangabandhu T20 Cup. So I don't think performing well here will help my case," said the veteran pacer.

"If I can get myself prepared, I might play the last few matches," added Mashrafe. 

Mashrafe Mortaza wants to continue playing domestic cricket for a few more days and has expressed the desire to play in the next edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).