Mahmudullah hasn’t been living up to expectations for Bangladesh, says Khaled Mahmud

Mahmudullah scored 52 runs from two matches at an average of 26 in Asia Cup 2022. Recently, Shakib Al Hasan replaced him as Bangladesh's T20I skipper.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) team director Khaled Mahmud Sujon said that Mahmudullah hasn’t been performing to expectations in recent times. Mahmudullah played two matches in Asia Cup 2022 where he scored 52 runs at an average of 26 with a top score of 27 against Dasun Shanaka’s Sri Lanka at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

After Bangladesh’s tour of the West Indies earlier this year, Mahmudullah was ‘rested’ from the tour of Zimbabwe. After Nurul Hasan Sohan’s injury, Riyad made a comeback, but didn’t get back the captaincy. Later, Shakib Al Hasan replaced him as Bangladesh’s T20I skipper.

Mahmud said that Mahmudullah hasn’t been up to the mark in recent times, but also reckoned that the Mymensingh-born batter is an out-and-out match-winner.

"Mahmudullah still has the desire to play but we did not get what we expected from him of late. But he is a match-winner and we cannot forget that, so you cannot tell no to someone like him all of a sudden," Mahmud was quoted as saying to the reporters after the first day of a three-day camp at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

"Certainly team is much more important than any individual and we will do what is necessary for the Bangladesh team. We cannot take a decision whimsically, because he has given service to the nation for a long time. We know everyone will not be there for all the time but we have to recognize their contribution,” he stated.

Mahmud said that Bangladesh will take into account Mahmudullah’s experience, but that won’t be the only factor while deciding on his selection in the squad for the T20 World Cup.