It Is Unacceptable: BCB President Nazmul Hassan Furious With Mahmudullah's Sudden Test Retirement

Bangladesh’s middle-order batsman Mahmudullah’s decision to call it quits from Test cricket has come as a shock to everyone including BCB President Nazmul Hassan.

According to a report published in Cricinfo, the veteran Bangladesh batsman told his teammates after the end of day 3 of the ongoing Test against Zimbabwe that he will no longer be playing the longest format of the game.

The timing of Mahmudullah’s retirement is extremely shocking given the fact that he has just scored a sensational hundred against Zimbabwe, an unbeaten 278-ball 150, which also happens to be his highest Test score.

Reacting to the sudden development, BCB President Nazmul Hassan described Mahmudullah’s decision as ‘unprofessional’ besides stating that such a decision could affect the team negatively.

“I have not been informed officially but someone called me on the phone and said he doesn’t want to play Tests anymore,” Hassan was quoted as saying by Bengali daily Prothom Alo.

Hassan further reckoned that Mahmudullah’s decision is driven by emotions.

“Apparently, he told the dressing room. I think it is highly unusual, since the match isn’t even over. I think he did it from emotion. Such an announcement will have a negative impact on the team. It is unacceptable. I have no problem if someone doesn’t want to play, but there is no need to create a mess in the middle of a series.” he added

‘Mahmudullah had confirmed to me prior to Zimbabwe series that he wants to play Tests’- BCB President Nazmul Hassan

The BCB chief further revealed that prior to the Zimbabwe tour, Mahmudullah had told the board that he is willing to play in all the three formats.

Hassan stated that this was the reason why selectors roped in Mahmudullah as an injury cover for Tamim Iqbal.

“Four or five days before they left for Zimbabwe, we asked all the players to inform us which formats they want to play. Riyad wrote that he wants to play all three formats. Regarding Tests, he wrote that he wants to play in the format if given the opportunity, which is why we picked him in Tests. I called him to my place twice, where he confirmed me that he wants to play Tests. I find it astounding that he is talking about retirement,” the BCB President concluded.

?? 50 Tests
? 2914 runs
?️ 33.49 average
☝️ 43 wickets

What's your favourite moment from Mahmudullah's Test career?

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 10, 2021

Mahmudullah has represented Bangladesh in 50 Tests in which he has managed 2914 runs at an average of 33.49 which includes 16 50s and 4 hundreds.

Also Read- Mahmudullah Makes Shock Decision To Retire From Test Cricket