Fizz excited by chance to learn

With an aim to 'learn more' about the cricketing conditions in the United Kingdom, Mustafizur Rahman left the country yesterday morning to play for Sussex in the Natwest T20 Blast and the Royal London One-day Cup.

Speaking to reporters before his departure yesterday morning, the left-arm bowler said: “I am looking forward to this experience. I will be playing in different conditions and will definitely learn a lot.”  

If all goes well, the bowler will make his debut at the County Ground in Chelmsford today when Sussex takes on Essex in the Natwest T20 Blast. However, as Mustafizur put it yesterday, it's still not certain as to whether he will playing the first match. Including today's match, he is likely to play a total of seven matches and is expected to stay in the UK till August 2.

There was a bit of uncertainty surrounding the pacer's departure owing to certain visa issues in the last few days, but he eventually received his visa on Tuesday. He was supposed to depart for the UK as soon as he arrived from India in May. However, he could not leave due to certain fitness concerns. He had lost plenty of weight while playing for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League. As a result, the Bangladesh Cricket Board had decided to give him a break. He spent his Eid holidays in his village in Tetulia and then went through a rehab upon his return to the capital.