Has Mahmudullah's international cricket career come to an end?

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced the 17-member squad earlier today, for the upcoming Asia Cup, which will be held using a hybrid model across Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Notably absent from the squad is the seasoned all-rounder, Mahmudullah Riyad.

This omission has sparked questions regarding Mahmudullah's future in international cricket. The Chief Selector of Bangladesh, Minhajul Abedin, shed light on the decision, explaining that the team's composition was the result of extensive discussions with the team management, taking into consideration upcoming matches and tournaments.

While the Chief Selector's statement doesn't outright declare Mahmudullah's exclusion from future plans, it strongly suggests a lack of inclusion.

Minhajul stated, "This squad is announced for the Asia Cup," when asked about Mahmudullah's chances in the upcoming World Cup, to be held in India. He added, "We will think about the World Cup team later," alluding to Mahmudullah's future with the national team.

Resting Mahmudullah ahead of the Ireland series at home was followed by the seasoned cricketer not securing another opportunity in the national team. This sequence of events has raised legitimate queries about Mahmudullah's international career.

Minhajul asserted, "Before finalizing the team, we have discussed it with the team management and the captain," during the squad announcement in Mirpur on Saturday.

Amidst considerable drama, Shakib Al Hasan was named the captain of the Bangladesh ODI team on Friday. He took over from Tamim Iqbal, who stepped down due to uncertainties surrounding his injuries.

As Shakib assumes his new role, he has chosen not to include Mahmudullah. This decision underscores the notion that Mahmudullah might not have a place in Bangladesh's World Cup plans.

Mahmudullah's anticipation of securing a spot in the lower order of the batting lineup, where he has showcased his abilities on numerous occasions, seems to have been in vain. The players who filled his role in his absence struggled to replicate his prowess, bolstering Mahmudullah's case for inclusion in the Asia Cup and the subsequent World Cup.

With 218 ODIs under his belt, Mahmudullah has batted at the crucial 7th position in 81 matches, amassing 1597 runs at an impressive average of 34.71. No other Bangladeshi batter has performed better in this slot. In 73 matches at the 6th position, he scored 1717 runs at an average of 33.66—this stands as the best-ever batting record for a Bangladeshi at this position. Given his track record and experience, he was a natural fit for this role.

In the past five years, batters occupying the 6th or 7th positions have struggled to match Mahmudullah's late-order proficiency, let alone surpass it. Despite these facts, the 37-year-old has been left out of the Asia Cup squad, with concerns looming over his absence in the World Cup as well.

Was the decision to exclude Mahmudullah Riyad from Bangladesh’s Asia Cup squad by team management the right move? Only time will tell.