Bangladesh T20I skipper Mahmudullah Riyad has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket, a Bangladesh Cricket Board press release informed on Wednesday.
Mahmudullah played his last and 50th Test for Bangladesh in July this year at the Harare Sports Club against Zimbabwe, where he scored an unbeaten 150 in Bangladesh’s only innings. It was his fifth hundred in Test cricket and earner him the man of the match award.
During that match, his teammates gave him a guard of honour, resulting in questions if he had taken the decision to retire immediately. But Mahmudullah stalled, and the announcement came on Wednesday.
The 35-year-old all-rounder, who played his first Test in 2009, said that retiring from Tests was not easy.
“Leaving a format of which I have been a part of for such a long time is not easy. I had always thought of going on a high and I believe this is the right time to end my Test career,” he said.
In all, Mahmudullah scored 2914 runs at an average of 33.49 and took 43 wickets in Test cricket. He also captained Bangladesh in six Tests.
In his farewell message, he thanked BCB President Nazmul Hassan, his teammates and the support staff.
“I want to extend my gratitude to the BCB President for supporting me when I returned to the Test team. I thank my teammates and the support staff for always encouraging me and believing in my ability. It has been an absolute honour and privilege to play Test cricket for Bangladesh and I will cherish the many memories,” he said.
He added that he will continue trying to give his best in white-ball cricket. Mahmudullah said, “Although I am retiring from Tests, I will still be playing ODIs and T20 internationals and really looking forward to continue giving my best for my country in white ball cricket.”
