Dhaka: Bangladesh ODI captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza has made it clear that he is not thinking about retiring just now.

‘I have not given it (retirement) a deep thought. We want to prepare ourselves for the challenges that lie ahead,’ he told the media after leading Tigers to a 2-1 series win against West Indies on Friday, reports the UNB.

‘I will think about whether I want to continue playing or not after the World Cup,’ he said. ‘I will let you know my decision.’

His recent involvement in national politics and decision to contest from his home district added fuel to speculations about his retirement. The 35-year-old had previously said he could retire after the next World Cup.

Mashrafe assured his fans that his political involvement did not distract him from the game. ‘It was just like any other series for me. I was completely focused,’ he said.

The skipper had suffered a hamstring problem during a practice game at BKSP before the series opener. But he chose to play against West Indies.

Mashrafe will be busy for the rest of the month as he prepares to participate in the December 30 parliamentary election from Bangladesh’s ruling Awami League party. His next cricketing assignment is against New Zealand, where the Tigers will play three Tests and three ODIs.

Bangladesh have seven ODIs before the showpiece event in England next year. But they will not play any other ODI at home before the World Cup.