|| CF DESK |

Jalal Yunus, the cricket operations chairman of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), has staunchly defended the board's decision to recall Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the upcoming Zimbabwe series.

Jalal stated that Mustafizur's stint in the IPL wouldn't significantly contribute to his development, stating that the young bowler has already reached a level where he has little to learn from the tournament.

Furthermore, Yunus emphasized the potential for reciprocal learning, suggesting that players in the IPL, widely regarded as the premier franchise T20 league globally, could benefit from observing Mustafizur's skill and technique.

"Mustafizur has nothing to learn from playing in the IPL. Mustafizur's learning process is over. Rather, there are many players in IPL who can learn from him. Bangladesh will not benefit from this," Jalal said in Mirpur on Wednesday.

Mustafizur, currently representing the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, has demonstrated remarkable form, securing 10 wickets in five matches.

Originally scheduled to return on May 1, but BCB extended his stay by a single day at the request of CSK, allowing him to participate in four additional matches for the franchise.

"We are letting Mustafizur play till May 1. He's coming back on May 2 and will be available from the following day," Jalal added.

Jalal also explained that there was more to bringing Mustafizur back rather than just the Zimbabwe series.

"Our concern is Mustafizur's fitness. They want to take 100 percent from him. They don't have a headache about his fitness, but we do. The reason we are bringing back Mustafizur is not just to play in the Zimbabwe series, but if he is brought here, we will plan him with the workload. But that plan won't happen if he's in IPL," Yunus explained.