TRIBUTES TO THE LEADER

The more you say the less it is when it is about our captain Mashrafe bhai. He might not have any world record under his belt or have not taken 400 or 500 wickets like cricket legends from other countries but there is no doubt that he has left his mark on Bangladesh cricket -- his way.

The change that we now see and boast about in Bangladesh cricket has come riding on his leadership and for me that is as good as making a world record or taking 400 wickets. He has set an example of how to run the dressing room as a family and get results at the same time. A person to look up to, MASHRAFE is a living legend for me! I hope you end your Twenty20 international career with head high when we take on Sri Lanka in the last game of the series.

Wish you all the best for your coming days. You will be missed CAPTAIN!

-- Tamim Iqbal

All great things come an end... and this is probably one of them. It's hard for each of us to think of Bangladesh team without you Mash, you are a true champion. Just like me, I am sure everyone is proud to play under a leader like you. It really has been an honour. Just want to thank you for cheering us up every time we were down and being such an inspiration for all of us. As much as we are upset, you will be missed in the T20I jersey. #ThankYouMash

-- Mushfiqur Rahim

Mashrafe bhai, first I would like to congratulate you for your wonderful achievements in T20 internationals. We are really gonna miss you, especially me. You are my brother, my friend whom I can share everything. You are a fighter, a great leader & captain & a true champion. Feeling really sad but that's how our life goes! You have shown us how to build a team like a family. I have learnt so many things from you. No doubt you are a terrific player & most importantly a very good human being. Mash we all love you. RESPECT #LEGEND

-- Mahmudullah Riyad

I don't know how much longer I will find this hand on my shoulders when I'm on the field. Even before I came into the national side, you were my idol. And for the past three years you have been something more than an guardian. Whenever I am in trouble, I will turn to you, be 100 per cent of that. Among all of those that I have endless love for and those I obey, you are one of those them. There are still many things I have yet to take from you, many things which I still have to learn. I am waiting with hopes to learn.

-- Taskin Ahmed

It's through cricket, that I was lucky enough to get to know you. I feel blessed to be able to share the same dressing room with you. It was known that one day you will have to leave but never expected for that moment to arrive so soon. Maybe there would come a day, when you will no longer be playing cricket but I truly wish that time to be far away from now and forever want to be that younger brother of yours I have always been and want you to be my elder brother who can guide me through every aspect of life, not only inside the field but even outside.

– Nurul Hasan

Mashrafe Bhai, it's hard to believe that you have taken a decision like this and Bangladesh will never play T20s under your leadership. Since the start of my career, you have been by my side through the good and bad times. I am proud that I played under your leadership for so long. I don't know how much longer I can play one-days with you, but you will always remain an inspiration to me. Truly, we love you a lot.

-- Rubel Hossain

Mashrafe Bin Mortaza in my words

A Great leader. A Great team mate. A Great fast bowler. A Great human being. A Great friend. What else is left to be a perfect cricketer??

It was my pleasure to start career together from U-17s and continue to National team...really enjoyed every bit of time with you. As a cricketer I salute you for what you have done for Bangladesh Cricket and will miss you in T20s. All the very best Mash.

My son and your Jamai will surely cry today.

-- Nafees Iqbal