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Mahmudullah Bids Farewell to International Cricket
Veteran Bangladesh Cricketer Announces Retirement
Bangladesh’s experienced all-rounder Mahmudullah Riyad has officially retired from international cricket. The 39-year-old cricketer made the announcement on his social media platforms on March 12, 2025, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned over a decade.
Mahmudullah’s Emotional Farewell
A Heartfelt Message to Fans and Family
In his farewell post, Mahmudullah expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches, and loyal fans who supported him throughout his career. He specially mentioned his family, highlighting the role of his brother Emdad Ullah, who served as his coach and mentor since childhood.
“I have decided to retire from international cricket,” he wrote. “A big thank you to my parents, my in-laws, especially my father-in-law, and most importantly my brother Emdad Ullah, who has been there for me constantly since my childhood as my coach and mentor.”
Mahmudullah also acknowledged the sacrifices of his wife and children, stating that his son Raeid will particularly miss seeing him in Bangladesh’s red and green jersey.
The Reality of Retirement: “Not Everything Ends Perfectly”
While acknowledging that his exit from international cricket wasn’t the fairytale ending many players hope for, Mahmudullah emphasized the importance of moving forward. His parting message read:
“Not everything comes to an end in a perfect way, but you say yes & move forward. PEACE… Best wishes to my team & Bangladesh cricket.”
A Career to Remember: Mahmudullah’s Cricketing Legacy
Record-Breaking ODI Performances
Mahmudullah remains the only Bangladesh cricketer to score three centuries in ODI World Cups. Two of these memorable knocks came in the 2015 edition, while the third was in the 2023 World Cup. His ability to perform under pressure made him a crucial asset for Bangladesh over the years.
Career Statistics Across All Formats
Throughout his illustrious career, Mahmudullah represented Bangladesh in:
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239 ODIs
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50 Test matches
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141 T20Is
His all-round contributions—both with the bat and ball—played a significant role in Bangladesh’s rise as a competitive team in world cricket.
What Led to Mahmudullah’s Retirement?
Scrutiny Over Performance Post Champions Trophy
Following the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, Mahmudullah’s position in the national squad came under scrutiny. With Mushfiqur Rahim having recently retired from ODIs, speculation grew over Mahmudullah’s future in the team.
In early 2025, Mahmudullah requested the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) not to consider him for a central contract beyond February 2025, signaling his intent to step away from international cricket.
The Road Ahead for Mahmudullah
While his international career has come to an end, it remains to be seen if Mahmudullah will continue playing in domestic leagues or T20 franchise tournaments. Given his experience and skill set, he could also transition into coaching or mentoring roles within Bangladesh cricket.
A Fond Farewell to a Bangladesh Cricket Icon
Mahmudullah’s retirement marks the end of an era for Bangladesh cricket. From being a dependable middle-order batsman to a steady off-spinner and a leader on the field, he has left an indelible mark on Bangladesh cricket history. Fans will forever cherish his match-winning performances, especially in World Cups.
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