Bangladesh Legend Mahmudullah Bids Farewell To International Cricket

Bangladesh cricket has witnessed several iconic players over the years, but few have left as profound an impact as Mahmudullah. The veteran all-rounder, known for his calm demeanor and ability to step up in pressure situations, has officially announced his retirement from international cricket. His decision, which came on March 12, 2025, marks the end of a remarkable 17-year career, during which he played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s cricketing journey.

Mahmudullah’s retirement was expected by many, especially after his gradual withdrawal from the longer formats of the game. He had already retired from Test cricket in 2021 and bid farewell to T20 Internationals in 2024, but his final call to step away from ODIs now brings an end to an era. His retirement post on social media was filled with gratitude, acknowledging the unwavering support of his family, teammates, coaches, and fans throughout his career.

A Career That Spanned Generations

Mahmudullah’s career was a bridge between generations of Bangladesh cricket. He made his international debut in 2007, during a period when Bangladesh was still emerging as a competitive force on the global stage. Over the years, he became an irreplaceable pillar of the team, adapting to different roles and proving his mettle as both a batsman and an off-spin bowler.

His ability to perform in crucial moments made him one of Bangladesh’s most reliable players. Whether it was rescuing the team from collapses, delivering in high-pressure chases, or making crucial breakthroughs with the ball, Mahmudullah did it all. His calm and composed nature under pressure made him an invaluable asset, especially in ICC tournaments where he often produced match-winning performances.

Unfortunately, his final appearance in international cricket did not have the fairytale ending many fans had hoped for. Playing against New Zealand in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, Mahmudullah could only manage a single-digit score before being dismissed by Michael Bracewell. Bangladesh had a disappointing campaign, exiting in the group stage without a single win. While it wasn’t the grand farewell his career deserved, it does little to overshadow his legacy as one of Bangladesh’s greatest cricketers.

Mahmudullah’s Career in Numbers: A Legacy of Excellence

Numbers don’t always tell the full story of a cricketer’s impact, but in Mahmudullah’s case, they certainly highlight his contributions to Bangladesh cricket. Here’s a look at his incredible statistics across formats:

One Day Internationals (ODIs):

🏏 Matches Played: 239
🏏 Runs Scored: 5,689
🏏 Batting Average: 36.46
🏏 Centuries: 4
🏏 Half-Centuries: 32
🏏 Wickets Taken: 82

Mahmudullah was a mainstay in Bangladesh’s middle order, providing stability and finishing games when needed. His ability to bat deep into innings while keeping his cool under pressure was one of his biggest strengths.

T20 Internationals (T20Is):

🏏 Matches Played: 141
🏏 Runs Scored: 2,444
🏏 Strike Rate: 117.38
🏏 Wickets Taken: 41

As T20 cricket grew in popularity, Mahmudullah evolved his game to suit the format. He played many match-winning knocks and was a dependable bowler when needed, contributing as a handy off-spinner.

Test Cricket:

🏏 Matches Played: 50
🏏 Runs Scored: 2,914
🏏 Batting Average: 33.49
🏏 Centuries: 5
🏏 Half-Centuries: 16

Though he was not a Test specialist, Mahmudullah had some memorable moments in the longest format of the game, including five Test centuries that showcased his ability to play long innings. His 150* against Zimbabwe in 2021 was one of the highlights of his red-ball career.

World Cup Heroics: The Man for the Big Stage

If there’s one tournament where Mahmudullah truly cemented his legacy, it’s the ICC Cricket World Cup. He remains the only Bangladeshi cricketer to have scored three centuries in ODI World Cups, proving his ability to deliver on the biggest stage.

His most iconic moment came in the 2015 World Cup, where he smashed back-to-back centuries against England and New Zealand. His 103 against England in Adelaide* was particularly historic, as it helped Bangladesh register a famous win and qualify for the quarterfinals of the World Cup for the first time.

Even in the 2019 World Cup, he played key knocks, showcasing his ability to handle pressure and contribute when it mattered the most. His knack for rising to the occasion made him one of Bangladesh’s most clutch players in ICC tournaments.

Leadership and the Captaincy Phase

Mahmudullah also served as Bangladesh’s captain across different formats, stepping in during times of transition. His leadership was marked by calmness and tactical awareness, helping Bangladesh compete against top teams.

He was particularly effective as T20I captain, leading the team with maturity and guiding young players. Under his leadership, Bangladesh registered T20 series wins against Australia and New Zealand in 2021, showing their growing strength in white-ball cricket.

Though he was not always the permanent captain, his ability to lead by example made him a respected figure in the dressing room.

An Emotional Farewell: Mahmudullah’s Retirement Message

On March 12, 2025, Mahmudullah took to social media to announce his retirement. His farewell message reflected the gratitude he felt toward everyone who supported him throughout his journey.

🔹 “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. A big thank you to my parents, my in-laws, especially my father-in-law & most importantly my brother Emdad Ullah who has been there for me constantly since my childhood as my coach & mentor. And finally, thanks to my wife & kids who have been my support system through thick & thin.”

His words resonated with fans, who flooded social media with tributes, reminiscing about his finest moments and thanking him for his contributions to Bangladesh cricket.

The Legacy of Mahmudullah: A True Bangladesh Great

Mahmudullah’s retirement marks the end of an era, but his contributions to Bangladesh cricket will never be forgotten. He was not just a talented cricketer but a symbol of resilience, composure, and selflessness.

His ability to perform under pressure, his World Cup heroics, and his influence as a leader make him one of Bangladesh’s greatest all-rounders. His career has inspired countless young cricketers, proving that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

As he moves on to the next phase of his life, whether in coaching, commentary, or other roles within cricket, Mahmudullah’s name will always be etched in the hearts of Bangladeshi cricket fans.