It was well and truly coming, it was on the cards, more than ever. When he asked the board to keep him out of the fresh central contracts, one could sense that he might take a similar step to Mushfiqur Rahim. Mushfiqur retired from ODIs, as did Mahmudullah, but Mahmudullah's retirement marked his retirement from international cricket, report agencies.
Bangladesh's very own 'Silent Killer' won't be seen in national colours anymore. The last of the Ponchopandob, the last of the five pillars, has fallen as the Tigers look to build a new fortress in a new era going forward. While Jaker Ali takes charge as their new finisher, Mahmudullah has left a legacy for generations in Bangladesh cricket to follow.
From Mashrafe Mortaza, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur, Shakib to now Mahmudullah, the last two decades gave Bangladesh a lot to cheer for, although they couldn't win major titles. From once being minnows, the five Pandvas built a reputation for Bangladesh as a competitive team, a team that cannot be undermined by any stretch of the imagination.
For the ones who are awaiting Shakib's comeback, GIVE UP. There's no substitute for Shakib in Bangladesh, but given the slump he has entered, both in his political and cricket career, it's highly unlikely that he will return. Set to turn 38 later this month, Shakib's journey as one of the greatest cricketers in Bangladesh has come to a sorry end.
Mahmdullah, the crisis man
A knock of 21 off 42 isn't supposed to raise eyebrows. But it was one of Mahmudullah's heroic acts in the ODI World Cup 2011. When Bangladesh were tottering at 169 for eight against England while chasing 226 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram, Mahmudullah stood tall and brought forth all the limited experience he had.
Mahmudullah and Shafiul Islam's unbeaten 58-run stand off 56 balls guided Bangladesh to a two-wicket win. Do you remember Mahmudullah driving Tim Bresnan and erupting in joy and soaking in the applause from the packed crowd? That's where Mahmudullah started building a name for himself as a reliable lower order batter.
Mahmudullah has faced countless failures, including the T20 World Cup 2016 match against India where Hardik Pandya got his wicket, and the 2024 T20 World Cup game against South Africa where he hit one down the throat of Aiden Markram at long-on. But his name was equivalent to faith as Bangladesh believed when Mahmudullah was there in the middle.
The man for ICC events
As far as rescuing Bangladesh is concerned, how about 2017 when his heroic partnership with Shakib Al Hasan guided the Tigers to a berth in the Champions Trophy semi-final? Not only did Mahmudullah score an unbeaten 102, but put on a 224-run stand with Shakib, helping Bangladesh chase down 266 after being reduced to 33 for four.
In 2015, the Tigers qualified for the quarters of a major ICC event for the first time. And it shouldn't raise eyebrows as to who was behind their incredible showing. It was on the back of his 103 that Bangladesh were able to script an epic win over England at the Sophia Gardens, a venue which was also a witness to their triumph over Australia in 2005.
With Mahmudullah not being there, the onus is on Jaker to build the faith in the fans that he can be the perfect successor to Riyad in ODIs. Bangladesh couldn't win a single game in the Champions Trophy and now with all five of their stalwarts gone, the Tigers have a gigantic task of producing their next set of Ponchopandob.
A legacy of milestones and records
In ODIs, he scored 5,689 runs in 239 matches, averaging 36.46 with a strike rate of 77.64. His tally includes four centuries and 32 fifties, while he also contributed with the ball, taking 82 wickets at an economy of 5.21. He is Bangladesh's fourth-highest run-getter in ODIs, trailing Tamim Iqbal (8,357), Mushfiqur Rahim (7,795), and Shakib Al Hasan (7,570).
Mahmudullah made history as the first Bangladeshi batter to score a century in an ICC event, notching up 103 against England in the 2015 World Cup. He followed it up with a 128 not out against New Zealand in the same tournament. In total, he scored four centuries in major ICC events (three in World Cups and one in the 2017 Champions Trophy), the most by a Bangladesh player.
The all-rounder also holds the record for most sixes by a Bangladeshi in ODIs (107) and T20Is (77), proving his ability as a powerful hitter in white-ball cricket.
In ODIs, he scored 5,689 runs in 239 matches, averaging 36.46 with a strike rate of 77.64. His tally includes four centuries and 32 fifties, while he also contributed with the ball, taking 82 wickets at an economy of 5.21. He is Bangladesh's fourth-highest run-getter in ODIs, trailing Tamim Iqbal (8,357), Mushfiqur Rahim (7,795), and Shakib Al Hasan (7,570).
The all-rounder also holds the record for most sixes by a Bangladeshi in ODIs (107) and T20Is (77), proving his ability as a powerful hitter in white-ball cricket.
Test and T20 contributions
In Test cricket, Mahmudullah scored 2,914 runs in 50 matches at an average of 33.49, ranking sixth among Bangladesh's highest Test run-getters. His unbeaten 150 against Zimbabwe in 2021-which came in his farewell Test-remains his highest score in the format.
In T20Is, he amassed 2,444 runs in 141 matches at a strike rate of 117.38 and an average of 23.50, making him Bangladesh's second-highest run-scorer in the format.
Captaincy and leadership
Mahmudullah also had a significant role as a captain, leading Bangladesh in 43 T20Is-winning 16, losing 26, and one match yielding no result. As a T20I skipper, he scored 782 runs at an average of 23, including two half-centuries.
He captained Bangladesh in six Tests, securing one win against Zimbabwe (2018), a draw against Sri Lanka, and four losses. However, his batting average as a Test captain (59.44) was far superior to his overall Test average (33.49).
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