Century of Tests: Mushfiqur Rahim receives special honour

A brief ceremony was held this morning at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur ahead of the second Test between Bangladesh and Ireland to honour Mushfiqur Rahim on becoming the first Bangladesh cricketer to play 100 Test matches.

Habibul Bashar, who had presented Mushfiqur with his original Test cap in 2005, handed him a special commemorative cap to mark the milestone. Akram Khan, Bangladesh's first Test cricketer, then presented him with a casket containing a baggy cap. Mushfiqur also received a plaque recognising his achievement.

He was presented with two jerseys — one signed by members of his first Test team and another signed by the current Test squad. The jerseys were handed over by Bashar and current Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam Bulbul, Bangladesh's first Test centurion, and BCB's cricket operations committee chairman Nazmul Abedeen Fahim presented a special crest.

Congratulating Mushfiqur, Shanto said: "Congratulations! Brilliant achievement for you and the family. Always enjoyed playing with you. I wanted to follow you and took inspiration from you. Everyone talks about your madness on the field and hard work, but importantly, you play for the team and not for individual milestones. That is inspiring for all of us and every youngster who wants to play Test cricket."

Mushfiqur thanked his family, team-mates, friends, fans, and the Ireland team for being present. "I will do my best for Bangladesh cricket. Want to wish Bangladesh cricket the best for the future," he said.