Mahmudullah of Bangladesh Announces His Retirement from International Cricket

Synopsis

On March 12, 2023, Bangladesh's Mahmudullah announced his retirement from international cricket after a remarkable 17-year career. He expressed gratitude to teammates, coaches, and fans for their unwavering support throughout his journey.

Key Takeaways

Mahmudullah retires after 17 years
Only Bangladeshi with three ODI World Cup centuries
Expressed gratitude to family and fans
Decision follows Mushfiqur Rahim's retirement
Played a key role in Bangladesh cricket

New Delhi, March 12 (NationPress) Bangladesh’s esteemed all-rounder Mahmudullah has declared his retirement from international cricket, marking the conclusion of an illustrious career that has spanned over 17 years. The 39-year-old took to social media on Wednesday to express his heartfelt gratitude towards his teammates, coaches, and fans who have stood by him throughout his journey.

“I have made the decision to retire from international cricket,” Mahmudullah shared on Facebook. “I want to extend my thanks to all my teammates, coaches, and particularly my fans who have consistently supported me. A special thanks to my parents, my in-laws—especially my father-in-law—and most importantly, my brother Emdad Ullah, who has been my coach and mentor since my childhood.”

He also recognized his wife and children, referring to them as his support system through all challenges. In an emotional note, he mentioned his son Raeid, who will miss watching him don Bangladesh’s red and green jersey.

Mahmudullah’s choice to retire was somewhat anticipated. Earlier, he had communicated to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) that he would not pursue a central contract beyond February 2025. His retirement follows that of Mushfiqur Rahim, whose position in the national team, similar to Mahmudullah’s, had come under scrutiny after the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy qualification.

As one of Bangladesh’s most reliable middle-order batsmen, Mahmudullah stands out as the only cricketer from the nation to have scored three centuries in ODI World Cups. Two of those centuries were achieved during the 2015 edition—against England and New Zealand—where he played a pivotal role in leading Bangladesh to their historic quarterfinal run. His third century came in the 2023 edition, further cementing his legacy on cricket’s grandest stage.

Mahmudullah’s career statistics reflect his significant impact on Bangladesh cricket. He represented the nation in 239 ODIs, 50 Tests, and 141 T20Is, playing crucial roles in countless victories.

Be it his composed batting under pressure, his off-spin bowling, or his leadership, he remained a cornerstone in Bangladesh’s cricketing journey.