Mashrafe laughs off Indian daily's claims

Mirpur (Bangladesh), June 25 (IANS) Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza has laughed off a Kolkata-based newspaper's claim that he had visited India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni with Mustafizur Rahman to refer the teenager for the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Ananda Bazar Patrika said in a report that Mashrafe took Mustafizur to meet Dhoni to inspire the 19-year-old pace sensation. It claimed Mashrafe requested the India captain to help Mustafizur to get his IPL break, reports bdnews24.com.

"Nothing like that happened. I don't get to see my children at home, much less others'!" said a smiling Mashrafe.

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

"The way Mustafizur 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," said the paceman.

A collision between the rookie and the India skipper on the pitch during the first One-Day International (ODI) triggered controversy. The International Cricket Council (ICC) fined both for a breach of the Code of Conduct.

Asked if he had wanted a bat from the India 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."