Bangladesh ODI captain Mashrafe gives up national team contract amid form concerns

Bangladesh One-Day International captain Mashrafe Mortaza has withdrawn from his lucrative national team contract amid growing concern over his form and fitness but has been offered a "grand farewell" match.

Mashrafe, 36, stayed as captain even after becoming a member of parliament for ruling party in 2018. That affected his form as he claimed just one wicket in eight matches in World Cup in England last year.

He has taken just eight wickets in 12 matches in Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20 tournament but had been expected to be a contracted player despite his poor form.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan told reporters that Mashrafe did t wish to continue as a contracted player. 

"We have accepted his proposal." 

Mashrafe will lose a guaranteed monthly w of at least USD 5,000 as well as lucrative sponsorship deals. BCB usually put at least 15 players under contract, but has promised to increase number.

board has also raised Test match fees by 70 per cent to USD7,000 dollars a game as part of an accord after players went on strike last year.

Bangladesh will organise a farewell match for Mashrafe if he wants it, president added. board offered a game against Zimbabwe as a testimonial last September, but he refused.

"We want to give him a grand farewell in a way that or player got. w if he agrees, n it's OK. But if he doesn't want it, we have thing to do," said Hassan.

Mashrafe, who has undergone at least half a dozen knee operations, did t mention a retirement plan when he spoke to reporters last week.

"I am just enjoying whatever I am playing w. I don't kw wher I will retire from field, I have t yet decided," he said.

"re is a matter of selection. I don't automatically count myself in team after taking one wicket in eight matches. If selectors think that y will give me a chance, I will definitely try my best to fulfil ir expectations," he added.

Mashrafe enjoys iconic status in Bangladesh after leading team through its transition from international whipping boys to a respected part of international limited overs competition.