Mashrafe laughs off Indian daily’s ‘gossip’ that he solicited Dhoni’s IPL blessings for Mustafizur

Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza has laughed off a Kolkata-based newspaper’s claim that he had visited Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni with Mustafizur Rahman to refer the teenager for the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The ‘Ananda Bazar Patrika’ said in a report that Mashrafe had taken Mustafizur to meet Dhoni to inspire the 19-year old pace sensation.

It further claimed Mashrafe had requested the India captain to help Mustafizur to get his IPL break.

“Nothing like that happened. I don’t get to see my children at home, much less others!” Mashrafe said smiling in press conference after the third ODI on Wednesday.

He was quite annoyed over the claim of referring Mustafizur for the IPL.

“The way Mustafiz is bowling, he will be called up in IPL. He deserves a place in it.

“And he will also keep playing like this for Bangladesh. If he takes care of himself he can play for another 10-15 years.”  

A collision between the rookie and the Indian skipper on the pitch during the first ODI triggered controversy. The ICC fined both for a breach of the Code of Conduct.

Asked if he had wanted a bat from the Indian skipper for Mustafizur, as reported by Ananda Bazar, Mashrafe smiled again. 

“I didn’t go to anyone’s room, didn’t want anyone’s bat. I don’t even know of anything like that happening,” he added.