More than a finisher: Mahmudullah‍‍`s impact on Bangladesh cricket

Mahmudullah Riyad may not have been the most naturally gifted cricketer of his generation, but he was certainly among those with the best work ethic.

The right-handed allrounder, who turns 39 in February, announced his retirement from T20Is on Tuesday. He confirmed that the final match of the ongoing Bangladesh-India series would be his last in the format. He, however, will continue to be available for selection in ODIs.

Mahmudullah earned the title of “finisher” in limited-overs cricket for his ability to score quick runs and hit big boundaries in the lower order towards the end of the team‍‍`s innings. His departure leaves a gap that will not be easy for Bangladesh to fill.

At his retirement announcement, Mahmudullah said it was the right time to step down. Cricket analysts seem to agree. Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, veteran cricket coach and a director of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), told UNB that fans should respect Mahmudullah’s decision.

“We have to thank Mahmudullah for his contributions to Bangladesh cricket,” Nazmul Abedeen said. “He did a lot for where Bangladesh cricket stands today. He has performed well, considering the era he played in.”

Mohammad Isam, a cricket analyst and Bangladesh correspondent for ESPNcricinfo, echoed the same sentiments.

“Mahmudullah‍‍`s retirement is timely, given his age and dwindling form,” Isam said. “He made his T20I comeback earlier this year after missing 27 matches in 2022. He was almost forgotten in this format after the 2021 World Cup.”

Mahmudullah, who has batted in nearly every position, truly earned global respect during the 2015 World Cup with two centuries. No Bangladeshi batter had achieved a World Cup century before him. Despite his versatility, Mahmudullah rarely had a fixed batting position, frequently shifting to suit the team’s needs.

Reflecting on his career, Nazmul Abedeen said that Mahmudullah was often the best option at his position. “He never gave others a chance to claim his spot,” Nazmul noted, alluding to Mahmudullah‍‍`s dedication.

Despite primarily batting in the lower order, Mahmudullah is Bangladesh’s second-highest run-scorer in T20Is, with 2,395 runs and eight fifties—just 156 runs shy of Shakib Al Hasan.

After his remarkable ODI World Cup run in 2015, Mahmudullah adopted a more aggressive approach, honing his big-hitting skills. His T20I career saw a significant transformation after 2016, as he averaged 26 in 85 matches after that, compared to his career average of 19 in 54 games before that.

“Mahmudullah became a transformed cricketer,” Isam added. “His T20 career was stagnating until 2016 when Chandika Hathurusingha assigned him a new role. He raised his game with an emphasis on aerial shots and a positive outlook.”

The right-hander also captained Bangladesh in 43 T20Is—more than any other Bangladeshi player—winning 16 of those matches. He was one of Bangladesh’s best T20I captains.

Approaching 40, Mahmudullah has stayed fit enough for international cricket while many of his peers have retired. Ahead of this year’s T20 World Cup, he was expected to miss out, yet he proved his fitness to secure a spot.

Ups and downs have defined Mahmudullah’s career, but he consistently found ways to fight back and make comebacks against all odds.

“It will be hard to replace Mahmudullah’s experience, but his role has become outdated in T20s,” Isam noted. “Bangladesh will need to rethink their T20 batting structure, and replacing Mahmudullah may require a fundamental shift in their setup.”