Mahmudullah reveals how Sachin Tendulkar helped him get a sponsor on his bat

Sachin Tendulkar has an eye for spotting talents at a young age. In the past, people have heard stories about him predicting a good future for cricketers like Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane and Prithvi Shaw. However, there have also been stories that he had said something similar for Mahmudullah Riyad. In a recent interaction, the Bangladesh T20 skipper revealed the truth.

The Bangladesh all-rounder revealed that he doesn’t know if the Indian legend had ever said something like that or not, but he did help him during his initial days. He said that one day while he was returning from practice, he got a call from the agent of Tendulkar. The agent told him that Sachin had recommended his name to Adidas to sign him. Adidas is the second-largest sportswear manufacturer in the world and has the Indian batsman as one of its brand ambassadors during that period.

I still thank him a lot as I haven’t got the chance to say that in front: Mahmudullah

“One day I was returning home from practice through a cab, at that time someone called me. By that time Adidas might have been the sponsor of Sachin sir and as I was young at that time I had no sponsor, so that person told me that Sachin sir has recommended you to get a sponsor, I couldn’t understand what to say,” he added.

The Bangladesh player revealed that at that time he didn’t have any sponsor. But, Tendulkar’s recommendation helped him receive a sponsor early in his career.

“I still thank him a lot as I haven’t got the chance to say that in front because we grew up watching his matches and it was a great privilege to be able to play against him. Having this compliment and that suggestion means a lot to me and I really really thank him,” Mahmudullah added.

There were stories that Tendulkar had said that Mahmudullah will be the next big thing for Bangladesh. However, the Bangladesh T20 skipper said that he didn’t know this.

“Actually, this is the first time I’m hearing it from you. Thank you for giving me such a big compliment. I’m feeling so good, thank you very much,” Mahmudullah said when he was informed about Sachin’s compliment about his future. “I’ve played against him probably in 2008 I think we had a home series and I had my debut in July 2007. So, I’ve played pretty well in that series,’’ he concluded.