DHAKA: Veteran Bangladesh batter Mahmudullah Riyad on Wednesday announced his retirement from international cricket, breaking the news through a social media post.

“I have decided to retire from international cricket. I would like to thank all of my teammates, coaches & specially my fans who have always supported me,” he wrote in the post.

Mahmudullah ends his career Bangladesh’s fourth-highest ODI run-getter with 5689 runs at 36.46, including four centuries — all in ICC tournaments.

He scored back-to-back centuries in the 2015 World Cup, another in the 2017 Champions Trophy against New Zealand, and a fourth in the 2023 ODI World Cup against South Africa.

“I would like to thank all of my teammates, coaches & specially my fans who have always supported me. A big thank you to my parents, my in laws specially my father in law & most importantly my brother Emdad Ullah who has been there for me constantly since my childhood as my coach & mentor,” Mahmudullah added.

“And finally thanks to my wife & kids who have been my support system through thick & thin. I know Raeid will miss me in red & green jersey. Not everything comes to an end in a perfect way but you say yes & move forward. Best wishes to my team & Bangladesh cricket.”

Mahmudullah played 239 ODIs, 50 Tests and 141 T20Is in his 17-year career, making his ODI debut in 2007 as a lower-order all-rounder.

He later became a key middle-order batter, producing memorable knocks, including his historic 223-run stand with Shakib Al Hasan against New Zealand in 2017 Champions Trophy.

Published in Dawn, March 13th, 2025