Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza defended his decision to enter politics after receiving criticism from some quarters.

Mashrafe created a stir when he announced he will contest the December 30 elections on an Awami League ticket.

A photograph of the 35-year-old alongside party leader and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina divided opinions in the country.

However, Mortaza said it was the ‘need of the hour’.

“I believe that every conscious, worthy and honest Bangladeshi should enter politics,” Mashrafe said.

“Maybe many can’t find the courage for different reasons and mental limitations. I thought that it was important to break this mental barrier. So, I took the initiative to fulfill my desire,” he said in a Facebook post.

Earlier, the Awami League stated Mortaza will fight from his home town Narail in southwest Bangladesh.

Mashrafe is expected to lead Bangladesh in a three-match ODI series against the West Indies at home starting December 9. The fast bowler said he took the political plunge as he is nearing the end of his playing career.

“I don’t know what is waiting for me in the next four and half years after the World Cup. So I made an assessment of the time. I listened to the need of the hour. Because I believe, work should be done in time,” he said.

Mashrafe has undergone numerous knee surgeries and has already retired from T20 cricket while he hasn’t played a Test since 2009.