Taskin Ahmed believes that Mustafizur Rahman deserves even more than the 9.2 crore he received in the IPL.
It’s been nearly two weeks since the IPL auction, and Mustafizur’s salary is still a hot topic. By Bangladesh cricket standards, the amount is eye-catching. But according to Taskin Ahmed, Mustafiz deserves even more. He says he wouldn’t be surprised if his favorite teammate earned double that figure.
Taskin’s name was also in the IPL auction, but no team showed interest. The situation was entirely different for Mustafiz, who attracted fierce bidding. In the end, Kolkata Knight Riders bought him for 9.2 crore, the highest fee ever for a Bangladeshi cricketer in the IPL.
Indian media have debated whether Mustafiz’s price is too high or justified, with former players and analysts presenting various arguments.
Taskin is clear in his opinion. He says he wouldn’t be shocked if Mustafiz’s fee were even higher. Speaking at a press conference on Monday in Sylhet, the pacer, who will play for Dhaka Capitals in the BPL, said that Mustafiz’s achievement could boost interest in other Bangladeshi players among teams.
“Honestly, Fizz is a proven player in world cricket. If he got 18 crore instead of 9, it wouldn’t surprise me at all because he deserves it. He’s proven himself, played many matches in the IPL, and performed well. He’s also done brilliantly in the IL T20,” Taskin said.
“It’s not surprising to me. I think Fizz deserves even more. I hope that if this continues, all our cricketers will get more recognition.”
During the IPL auction, both Mustafiz and Taskin were busy playing in the IL T20 in the UAE, marking their first participation in the league.
Playing for Dubai Capitals, Mustafiz took 15 wickets in 8 matches at an economy of 8.08, ranking second in the tournament and first among pacers. Taskin, representing Sharjah Warriors, took 9 wickets in 6 matches at an economy of 8.76.
Taskin’s previous overseas T20 experience was limited to three matches in last year’s Lanka Premier League. He says the IL T20 has taught him a lot, both on and off the field, lessons he hopes to apply in the national team.
“Honestly, it’s a big league. Every team has strong batting lineups. One batsman after another kept coming—it wasn’t easy as a bowler. I’ve tried my best, and what I’ve learned will give me confidence to perform better in the future,” Taskin said.
“From a cultural and professional perspective, everything was excellent there. The lessons we learned—what Fizz has learned, what I’ve learned, what Rishad is learning in the Big Bash—will positively impact our national team in the future. Even a 5% improvement will help.”
After returning from the IL T20, Mustafiz played in the BPL match on Monday, while Taskin may take the field on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Rishad will remain busy in the Big Bash, where he has impressed playing for Hobart Hurricanes, taking 8 wickets in 5 matches—currently the highest among spinners—and delivering key breakthroughs for his team.
Taskin is also very impressed by Rishad’s bowling on TV.
“One thing I liked about Rishad is that his googly is becoming sharper. At first, it wasn’t that sharp, but in the Big Bash, even in Australian conditions, the turn he’s getting is excellent. He’s doing really well, and it’s very positive,” Taskin said.
