You are not indispensable, so take 'rest', the Bangladesh team management told him at that time.

For a man who has been standing behind the wicket for the past twelve years, even to ask him in this manner was unjustified. But Mashud did not ask any questions, rather thought that it was quite logical since it was wise to give young Mushfiqur Rahim a chance to play at the top level so that the baby-faced cricketer from Bogra can fit into his gloves.

But he never thought that his unconditional loyalty to the selectors would bring so much pain that he had ever endured in his luminous career.

"When I was injured during that league match against Biman (last month) at BKSP, I thought that it would be a big risk (to play in Zimbabwe) since I was assured of going to the World Cup," said Mashud while bearing his soul to a few reporters at a tranquil Dhanmondi Cricket Academy ground yesterday, a day after the selectors omitted him from the World Cup squad.

"The biggest surprise for me was that I was rested from playing at home just so that a young player could get acquainted with the international scene. Now, I am not going to the World Cup.

"I must say that whoever has held my league performance against me, does not cover domestic cricket. When I play for Abahani, I cannot use those premier league matches just as my springboard to get into form. Playing for a big club like Abahani is very important so I just cannot play at four or five to get a big innings under my belt. I prefer playing for my team rather for myself," said the 31-year-old while responding to criticism that his domestic performance was not up to the mark.

Chief selector Faruque Ahmed and Co. might have considered his non-performance or to say the least his non-appearance as an excuse to chop him. But forget his recent form.

Just like every team he has represented so far in his career, he has added more than just the physical self. He knows how to motivate players in different situations and also is a master at distracting the opponent. Experience of playing against all international teams could have been handy but the selectors decided otherwise -- they went for a plus-minus approach when it came to carrying experienced players.

"Honestly, calling up Javed (Omar) is somewhat correct but he should have been given time to settle in. There was ample opportunity for the team to test him out once more, over the last two months," said Mashud.

He however said that he was shocked to learn that Rajin Saleh was being considered as a second wicket-keeping option. He refused to be drawn into any other talk about the selection.

Despite all the pain he is going through at the moment, he said that he felt victor after the support he received from former players and the people of the country, particularly in his hometown Rajshahi, ever since news broke that he is not going to the biggest cricket tournament.

"The support from former players and captains has given me a lot of hope. They are all on my side and the amount of support I have received from the public has made me realise, over the past 24 hours, that I am not lost yet," he admitted.

"I am not lost to cricket. I am not lost as a cricketer."

But three former cricketers decided to disagree with the rest of the country and that has nailed his exclusion from the national side.

Was it a personal issue with chief selector Faruque then? Whispers are that Faruque's role in the Reebok commission affair back in August is in the root of all the trouble. Apparently, Faruque solely blames Mashud for blowing up the secret.

Decency was also missing when only coach Dav Whatmore informed this big name about his omission.

"Dav was kind enough to inform me that I was not considered for the World Cup squad but I am a bit shocked that I did not even get a phone call from my long-time teammate and captain Habib (Bashar)," said Mashud.

So now we have to see the 'best wicketkeeper in the country' sitting it out but Mashud denies to stay quiet.

"I am a cricket player and all my life I have been involved in cricket -- matches, practices, etc. So I cannot just sit and not play. I will be playing for Rajshahi in the national league, hopefully from this round (against Chittagong)," said a man regarded as one of the best wicketkeepers in the world.

"(Sourav) Ganguly can be a great example for my situation. He has showed how to get back against all adversities."

Back in April, Australian superstar Michael Hussey asked Khaled Mashud when will they meet again, just as he was checking out of his team hotel in Dhaka. He quickly answered his own question: 'See you at the World Cup'. The irony is that Hussey will definitely miss him.

It is true that Mashud's batting has been on the wane for the last year or so but it was never even expected that he would not go to the World Cup to fight one last battle.