Mahmudullah to Retire from T20Is After Series Against India

Bangladesh cricket veteran Mahmudullah has announced his retirement from T20 Internationals (T20Is) following the conclusion of Bangladesh’s current series against India. The 38-year-old made the emotional declaration during a press conference on the eve of the second T20I match in Delhi, stating that it was a decision he had discussed with his family and cricket management. He emphasized that he will continue to focus on One Day Internationals (ODIs), especially with the upcoming World Cup in mind.

“I am retiring from T20I cricket after the last game of this series. This decision was pre-planned before coming here,” Mahmudullah shared. “I consulted with my family, the coach Chandika Hathurusinghe, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain, and the board president Faruque Ahmed. I believe it’s the right time for me and the team to move on, especially with the World Cup on the horizon.”

Mahmudullah’s retirement comes three years after his departure from Test cricket, where he played his final game against Zimbabwe. His journey in T20Is faced challenges in recent years, notably when he was sidelined from the squad for nearly two years, missing 27 matches between 2022 and 2023.

However, he made a remarkable comeback in early 2023 with a score of 54 against Sri Lanka but struggled in the T20 World Cup and recently managed just 1 run in the first T20I against India.

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A Legacy of Records and Leadership

Mahmudullah, a former captain of Bangladesh’s T20I team, will retire as one of the most decorated players in the format. He currently ranks as the joint third-most-capped T20I player globally, having played 139 matches. By the end of the series, he is expected to reach 141 T20Is, matching Ireland’s George Dockrell.

Mahmudullah is also Bangladesh’s second-highest run-scorer in T20Is, only behind Shakib Al Hasan, and holds the record for having played in the most defeats in the format. Earlier this year, he became Bangladesh’s oldest T20I player, further cementing his place in the record books.

His T20I career will be remembered not only for the records but for his role as a power hitter. Nearly a decade after his debut, Mahmudullah transformed into one of the most reliable finishers in Bangladesh’s T20 team. This shift in his batting style was inspired by coach Chandika Hathurusinghe in 2016, ahead of the T20 World Cup in India.

“In 2016, before the T20 World Cup in India, we had a training camp in Khulna. It was during that time I decided to change my approach,” Mahmudullah said. “Batting at No. 6 or 7 required me to adjust my style and take on the finisher’s role. It’s a tricky position because the team expects you to finish the game, and if you don’t, that’s what people remember.”

He added aerial shots to his repertoire, elevating his strike rate significantly over the next couple of years. His performance peaked in 2018 when he played one of the most memorable innings of his career, an unbeaten 43 off 18 balls against Sri Lanka, leading Bangladesh to the Nidahas Trophy final.

The match is famously remembered for its tension, including an umpiring controversy that almost saw then-captain Shakib Al Hasan call off the innings. Despite the chaos, Mahmudullah stayed calm, securing the win by hitting a six off Isuru Udana in the penultimate ball.

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Career Highlights and Challenges

Reflecting on his career, Mahmudullah acknowledged that while Bangladesh did not win a major T20I trophy during his tenure, the team made significant progress.

“Although we didn’t win a major trophy, I disagree with the notion that we don’t have any achievements. If we only judge by trophies, then many cricketing legends wouldn’t be considered legends,” Mahmudullah stated. “The difference between the team when I debuted in 2007 and now is tremendous.

It’s not just about the ‘Five Pandavas’ [Shakib, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, and Mashrafe Mortaza]—everyone, including coaches and management, played a role in transforming Bangladesh cricket.”

When discussing the future of Bangladesh’s T20 team, Mahmudullah expressed confidence that younger players are ready to take on the finisher’s role. He named players like Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Afif Hossain, and Yasir Ali as strong contenders for this position but emphasized that it requires mental toughness.

“Batting at No. 6 or 7 in T20Is is challenging. You need to be brave and focused, especially in such a pressure-filled role. But with the backing of the coach and captain, I believe these young players can do well,” Mahmudullah explained.

A Final Goodbye

As Mahmudullah bids farewell to T20Is, his contribution to Bangladesh cricket will not be forgotten. His evolution as a cricketer, from a reliable middle-order batsman to a crucial finisher, has left a lasting impact on the team’s dynamics. His leadership, records, and ability to rise to the occasion during key moments will remain an inspiration for future generations of Bangladesh cricketers.

Mahmudullah’s departure marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to shape Bangladesh cricket for years to come. As he focuses on his ODI career, fans and teammates alike will remember his contributions with admiration and respect.