Mahmudullah Riyad Retirement: Bangladesh legend Mahmudullah Riyad has dropped a bombshell on his fans and Bangladesh Cricket supporters by announcing his T20I retirement on Tuesday. During a press conference in Delhi on the eve of 2nd T20I vs India, the all-rounder stated that it was a pre-planned decision and that, he will hang his boots from the format after the 3rd T20I on October 12.
Bangladesh are trailing 1-0 in the series and will be aiming to give their veteran a fitting send-off by managing a surprise win over hosts India.
From the nets to the retirement press conference – moments with Mahmudullah Riyad. 🇧🇩 🫶#BCB #Cricket #INDvBAN #T20 pic.twitter.com/nb4DK3qy4c
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) October 8, 2024
Official Statement Of Mahmudullah Riyad On His Retirement
“I am retiring from T20I cricket after the last game of this series. I was pre-decided before coming here. I had a chat with my family. I spoke to the coach, captain, chief selector and the [BCB] board president as well. I think it is the right time to move on from this format for me and the team, especially with the World Cup coming up in less than two years. I will concentrate on the one-day game,” said Mahmudullah Riyad, during the press conference in Delhi on Tuesday.
When asked about his change in batting appraoch, the 38-year-old explained how he changed his style before the 2016 T20 World Cup.
“Back in 2016, there was a T20 World Cup in India and before that, we had a training camp in Khulna. I changed my batting approach from that camp. I had to bat at No. 6 or 7, so I decided to change my approach and style. It was the team’s finisher role. It was a very tricky place to bat. Not always you could finish the game. People would usually highlight the ones you didn’t finish, rather than the ones you were there for. But it is part and parcel of this game,” he added.
