Reports: Mahmudullah to retire from T20Is after India series

Veteran Bangladesh all-rounder Mahmudullah is reportedly preparing to hang his boots from the shortest format. Currently, the 38-year-old is engaged with the ongoing T20I series against India, and according to reports, he is looking to announce his retirement ahead of the second T20I.

It is worth noting that India and Bangladesh will take on each other in the second T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on October 9. Interestingly, Mahmudullah made his debut in 2007 and has been one of the greats in terms of longevity.

He was set to part ways after the T20 World Cup 2024, but was selected for the three-game T20I series against India. His decision to retire is reported to have come after he experienced a dip in his form, after he was omitted from Bangladesh’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2022, after he had led the side in the 2021 T20 World Cup. 

“It's not a break, he wants to bring an end to the T20I chapter. He is supposed to announce it in this series,” a BCB official was quoted as saying by The Daily Star.

Also Read: IND vs BAN Schedule 2024

He might have discussions with the selectors: Najmul Hossain Shanto

It is worth noting that Mahmudullah retired from Tests in 2021, and had been hinting to retire from international cricket altogether of late. Recently, Najmul Hossain Shanto came forward and talked about Mahmudullah’s future in the sport, highlighting how important the India series has been for him.

“Regarding Riyad [Mahmudullah] bhai (brother), from what I understand, this series is very important for him, He might have discussions with the selectors. I am not entirely clear on this, but I believe there will definitely be discussions with the selectors and the board [regarding his future],” Najmul Hossain Shanto said.

It is worth noting that before the Delhi T20I against India, Mahmudullah has played 139 T20Is for Bangladesh, where he has scored 2395 runs and has taken 40 wickets as well. His presence in the T20I set-up for Bangladesh would be heavily missed should he retire from the format.