‘If you don’t play, people forget you’

An injury during the NCL T20 nearly ended Mukidul Islam Mugdho's entire domestic season. But the pacer not only fought his way back to the field, but also played a pivotal role in Rangpur Division's title win in the red-ball NCL, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker with 29 scalps in just four matches and was adjudged the player-of-the-tournament. In a conversation with The Daily Star's Samsul Arefin Khan, the 25-year-old spoke about the team's remarkable turnaround, his recovery journey and the challenges that lie ahead. Excerpts are as follows:

The Daily Star (DS): It was a great NCL for you and Rangpur Division. Your team staged a tremendous comeback in the last match against Khulna Division after conceding a 134-run first innings lead. How did such a turnaround happen?

Mukidul Islam Mugdho (MIM): Unfortunately, we dropped six catches in the first innings and there were a few wrong umpiring decisions, which allowed them to post a decent total.

Then we suffered a collapse in our first innings. When I went in, [captain] Akbar [Ali] bhai told me, "Play as long as you can. If we avoid the follow-on, the game can still change." Babu [Alauddin] bhai was batting with me and together we avoided the follow-on.

After the innings, the whole team sat together and decided that we had nothing to lose. Everyone bowled with discipline and we managed to dismiss Khulna for just 96. The batters then did their job brilliantly in the chase.

DS: You missed most of the NCL T20 due to injury. How tough was the recovery process?

MIM: During the first NCL T20 match, while trying to save a boundary, I suffered a Grade II hamstring tear. The BCB doctors said it would take at least a month to recover. I completed the rehab, but the recovery wasn't perfect.

I was eager to return, but the medical department didn't allow me initially due to the risk of recurrence. That's why I missed the first two matches of the longer version. Even after that, they were hesitant. I told them I felt ready and eventually got clearance. Even now, I'm not fully fit. There's still a bit of pain.

DS: Why did you risk returning before fully recovering?

MIM: The BCB physios had warned me that returning before fully recovering carried risks. But the reality here is that if you don't play, people forget you. I missed the NCL T20, the BPL was coming up, and I felt that if I didn't perform in the NCL, I might not even get a team. So, I told myself I had to be mentally strong. Whatever happens, I would keep working and try to perform.

DS: At one point, you were seemingly knocking at the doors of the national team, but now you seem far away. What happened?

MIM: Honestly, I don't know. My job is to perform and I try to do that whenever I get the chance. Selection is not in my hands.

DS: You are not part of any BCB programme at the moment, how challenging is it?

MIM: I haven't been in any camp for the last two years. Being in a camp helps a lot. Coaches, physios and trainers monitor you closely, and structured training is crucial for fitness. When you're outside the camp, you have to manage everything on your own. It's difficult, but players still try their best.

DS: There is a two-week break between the NCL and BPL. How important is this period for your recovery?

MIM: Alhamdulillah, it's very important. I'll go back to the BCB and get my hamstring checked again. The physios will assess my condition and I'll follow the programme they give me over the next 10 days.

DS: You will play for Chattogram Royals in the BPL. What is your target?

MIM: My main goal is to stay fit. If I can stay fit, I believe I can perform anywhere. The BPL is very competitive and opportunities are never guaranteed. If Allah has written it in my destiny, I will try my best to make it count.