Veteran Bangladesh all-rounder Mahmudullah has announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 39, concluding a 17-year career marked by significant achievements, including being the fourth-highest ODI run-scorer for Bangladesh with 5,689 runs and four ICC tournament centuries. His retirement symbolizes the end of Bangladesh’s golden generation of cricketers.
Mahmudullah, the seasoned all-rounder, has formally announced his retirement from international cricket, as stated in a social media post on Wednesday. At 39 years of age, he previously retired from Test cricket in 2021 and T20 Internationals in 2024. His tenure in One Day Internationals (ODIs) concludes with him ranking as Bangladesh’s fourth-highest run-scorer, amassing 5,689 runs at an average of 36.46, which includes four centuries scored exclusively in ICC tournaments.
Among his impressive highlights, Mahmudullah registered back-to-back centuries during the 2015 World Cup, added another in the 2017 Champions Trophy against New Zealand, and celebrated his fourth in the 2023 ODI World Cup against South Africa. In his heartfelt farewell statement, he expressed gratitude to teammates, coaches, and fans, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout his career.
Additionally, Mahmudullah conveyed his special appreciation to his parents, in-laws, and his brother Emdad Ullah, who has played a pivotal role as his coach and mentor. He also thanked his wife and children for their support, sharing his thoughts on how his son Raeid would miss seeing him represent Bangladesh in matches. He emphasized the need to move forward despite not everything concluding perfectly, extending his best wishes to the national team and Bangladeshi cricket as a whole.
Debuting in ODIs in 2007 as a lower-order all-rounder, Mahmudullah’s defining moment arrived during the 2011 World Cup when he was instrumental in leading Bangladesh to a remarkable victory over England. Transitioning to a key middle-order batter, he recorded unforgettable performances, notably his historic 223-run partnership with Shakib Al Hasan against New Zealand in the 2017 Champions Trophy. His retirement signifies the conclusion of an era for Bangladesh cricket’s golden generation, which prominently featured Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mashrafe Mortaza. Remarkably, he is the only Bangladeshi cricketer to score three centuries in ODI World Cups.
In conclusion, Mahmudullah’s retirement from international cricket marks the end of a remarkable chapter for both the player and Bangladesh cricket. His contributions, including being the fourth-highest ODI run-scorer and scoring critical centuries in World Cups, have solidified his legacy. His heartfelt gratitude towards his supporters reflects the strong bonds forged throughout his esteemed career. As Bangladesh cricket transitions to a new generation, Mahmudullah’s influence will undoubtedly be felt.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
