DHAKA, Nov 20, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh's veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim, who 
reached the rare milestone of scoring a century in his 100th Test, said he 
wants to celebrate the landmark only after winning the second and final Test 
against Ireland.

"In every match I try to give my best effort and contribute as much as I can 
to the team's winning cause," Mushfiqur said after Day 2 of the Test at the 
Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

"Yesterday before the match I said that whether it's my 100th Test or anyone 
else's milestone - the team always comes first."

He stressed that Bangladesh must always take precedence over any individual 
achievement.

"For Bangladesh, I am just a drop of water in a huge ocean. My name doesn't 
matter - Bangladesh comes first. I want to send that message: play for the 
country, not for yourself."

"Winning this match would be the biggest gift for me. Whether I score or not 
doesn't matter. Alhamdulillah, I could contribute something, and I hope we 
can win and celebrate more, Insha'Allah."

Mushfiqur admitted it still feels "unbelievable" to have reached 100 Tests, 
given how infrequently Bangladesh play the longest format.

"Honestly, even I can't believe that - being a player from Bangladesh - you 
can actually play 100 Tests. So it's really a huge achievement. It's not just 
about my name; for any cricketer from any country, it's a proud moment," he 
said.

He added that the milestone has now increased his responsibility to inspire 
the next generation to value Test cricket.

"So obviously it feels great that I could be that person. And it means I now 
have a different level of responsibility. I will try my best. However many 
matches I get, whatever role I play - Insha'Allah - I will try to reflect 
that responsibility on the field. And when I leave the dressing room someday, 
I hope to leave behind one or two players who can fill that gap."

The BCB honoured Mushfiqur with a special programme on the eve of his 100th 
Test - a gesture he deeply appreciated.

"100 Tests is a huge number. By the time I reached here, I've hopefully 
learned how to manage these things. I tried to use that experience and stay 
calm," he said.

"To be honest, I want to thank the BCB again - what they arranged yesterday 
morning was very special. I really felt honoured. Recognitions like these are 
a big source of inspiration - not just for me but for any cricketer or 
individual. It will inspire many Bangladesh players to dream that they too 
can play 100 Tests or at least dream of playing Test cricket. That ability to 
dream is very important."