Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur’s Performance Will Inspire Others- Mahmud

Khaled Mahmud, the former team director of the national team and head coach of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) franchise Durdanto Dhaka, said that Mahmudullah Riyad can be considered in the T20 squad for the upcoming Men’s ICC T20 World Cup 2024. 

Mahmudullah, who is featuring Fortune Barishal in the ongoing BPL, made a late blitz of unbeaten 51 off 24 balls to help this side ending their three-match losing streak after they crushed Sylhet Strikers by 49 runs in their last match in Sylhet on Tuesday.

“The way Mahmudullah batted in the previous game is really inspiring, it will especially inspire the youngsters. Batting like him at the death, batting free, it is great… I always say, Mahmudullah is such a player who can play in all three formats,” Khaled told the reporters on Thursday. 

“I feel very sorry that Mahmudullah does not play Tests. I still can’t accept his retirement. I still think he still has an ability to play Tests. Bangladesh needs such an experienced cricketer…. he has experience he has rhythm, I don’t think there is any player on that position who can challenge him. Definitely, Riyad can be considered in the T20 team,” he added. 

Khaled further said that BPL will be successful if the local players perform well.

“I have seen many players performing here (in BPL). Junior Tamim is doing well, Hridoy, Dipu are doing good. Nayeem also batted well in two matches. If our local players do well, it will be an achievement for Bangladesh cricket here,” said Durdanto Dhaka coach.   

“I want our players will become match winners, our batsmen, our bowlers… Our purpose of arranging BPL will be successful if the local players perform well here,” he added. 

“Mushfiq and Riyad are very experienced, they have been playing BPL for the last 12 years. Their performance will inspire others. The playing attitude and intensity of seniors will be a big example for the juniors,” he concluded.