Emotional Mushfiqur dedicates 100th Test and century to his late grandparents

Bangladesh stalwart Mushfiqur Rahim dedicated his 100th Test appearance, which he made extra special with a ton, to his paternal and maternal grandparents.

The dedication needed to play one hundred Tests was evident from how Mushfiqur talked about life and his cricket during the press conference on Thursday after the end of the second day's play between Bangladesh and Ireland at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.

When the centurion was asked who he dedicated the hundredth Test to, Mushfiqur gave an emotional reply.

"[Dedicating it] to my grandparents and maternal grandparents. Because they were actually my biggest fans when they were alive. And even when they passed away, and even when they were a little sick before that, I still remember my grandparents and maternal grandparents saying, 'Bhai, I want to live a few more days just to watch your game.' Which is something, I mean, very few grandsons or granddaughters are lucky enough to have," he said.

Mushfiqur's landmark 100 Tests is a testament to his hard work, and the Test match is extra special to him because of the environment that was seen in Mirpur over the past two days.

Mushfiqur felt that the special occasion deserved to be dedicated to his grandparents.

"I would say that it's because of their blessings that I've come this far, to be honest. And there are many other people, but to be special, I want to dedicate it to those four," he added.

Bangladesh football sensation Hamza Chowdhury had wished Mushfiqur on playing the 100th Test. Mushfiqur was asked if he had seen the video message.

"Yes, yes, I heard it yesterday or this morning. Later, I saw it on my manager's phone. So, I was really surprised and happy to see that, and hopefully, if I ever meet him face-to-face, I will definitely give him my thanks," Mushfiqur said.