'We did not get what we expected from him of late' - Bangladesh team director Khaled Mahmud on Mahmudullah

Bangladesh had a disappointing campaign at the recently concluded 2022 Asia Cup tournament in UAE. They reached the finals of the last two editions and were expected to make it to the Super-Four round this year too. But they lost both of their Group B clashes against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka to become the first eliminated team of the tournament.

They were bowled out on just 127 runs against Afghanistan but put 184 runs on the target against Sri Lanka. The former captain Mahmudullah scored 52 runs in two innings at an average of 26.00 and a strike rate of 106.12. He was the second-highest leading run-scorer for Bangladesh with only Mosaddek Hossain scoring 20 runs more. But former cricketer and team director Khaled Mahmud has revealed that the board is not happy with the player's recent performances while speaking with reporters after the first day of the ongoing training camp at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

"Mahmudullah still has the desire to play but we did not get what we expected from him of late. But he is a match-winner and we cannot forget that, so you cannot tell no to someone like him all of a sudden," Khaled Mahmud said.

We cannot take a decision whimsically: Khaled Mahmud hints at dropping Mahmudullah

The 36-year-old was rested for the Zimbabwe tour but was later included in the squad to replace injured wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan. He didn't receive the captaincy role and later management announced that Shakib Al Hasan has been appointed to lead the T20I side in the Asia Cup 2022. Mahmudullah's recent performances have been impressive in the shortest format but not convincing enough for the board. 

"Certainly team is much more important than any individual and we will do what is necessary for the Bangladesh team. We cannot take a decision whimsically, because he has given service to the nation for a long time. We know everyone will not be there for all the time but we have to recognize their contribution,” Khaled Mahmud added.