Picture Credit: Twitter
In a recent development, Bangladesh cricketer Mahmudullah Riyad has announced his retirement from Test cricket in the middle of Bangladesh's one-off Test match against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club. In several media reports, it is being claimed that the 35-year-old informed his teammates about the decision at the end of the day's play on Day 3. However, he did not convey the same in the Bangladesh Cricket Board's video after the day's play.
The Bangladesh veteran has also not shared any social media post related to his sudden decision. It is being learned that his call to hang up his boots at least in red-ball cricket has not gone down too well with BCB President Nazmul Hasan Papon. This is because Hasan believes that it might have a negative impact on the team who are in the middle of a game. He also said that the decision was "unacceptable" and one based on "emotion."
No need to create a mess in the middle of a series: BCB President
"I have not been informed officially but someone called me on the phone and said he doesn’t want to play Tests anymore," Hasan told Prothom Alo.
"Apparently, he told the dressing room. I think it is highly unusual since the match isn’t even over. I think he did it from emotion. Such an announcement will have a negative impact on the team. It is unacceptable. I have no problem if someone doesn’t want to play, but there is no need to create a mess in the middle of a series," he added.
Talking about his personal performance, Mahmudullah made a great comeback after last featuring in a Test in February 2020 as he brought up his fifth hundred in his 50th Test match. The right-handed batter made an unbeaten 150 with 17 fours and one six. He shared a 191-run partnership for the ninth wicket along with Taskin Ahmed to help them post 468 in the first innings.
