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Mashrafe, Tamim, Mushfiqur, Shanto, and Miraz are among the teammates who expressed their gratitude and memories of their time together
Published : 13 Mar 2025, 11:07 AM
A flood of memories from fans and former teammates met Mushfiqur Rahim’s retirement a few days ago. Now, Bangladesh is seeing another outpouring of emotions with the departure of Mahmudullah aka Riyad from international cricket.
The announcement came on Wednesday night and was met with overwhelming reactions on social media from fans and teammates from different eras.
The 39-year-old veteran played 110 matches during his career under the captaincy of Mashrafe Bin Mortaza. The two built a strong friendship on and off the field.
Mashrafe took to social media to remind the fans that Mahmudullah’s career was more than the stats.
"Congratulations on a great international career, Riyad,” he said. “To us, you are much more than the numbers next to your name."
"We know how much the team needed you and how far you went to adapt yourself to the team's needs. So many memories with you on and off the field! How many joys and disappointments united us in our time!"
Mahmudullah’s greatest achievements were on the biggest stages, with all four centuries in his ODI career coming in ICC tournaments. Mashrafe expressed the hope that his successors would follow in his footsteps, but go even further.
"Today I am reminded of your centuries in Adelaide and Cardiff. Bangladesh's first century in the World Cup - no one can take that achievement away from you. However, I hope that many in the country will follow your example and surpass your record of four centuries in global tournaments. The way you have shown your best on the big stage, generation after generation will follow the path you laid down."
"I hope that your remaining days in domestic cricket will be enjoyable and that you will spend your retirement happily."
Shakib Al Hasan has been quiet on social media for several months, but he did not stay silent on Mahmudullah’s retirement either.
"Riyad Bhai, it is a privilege for me to play alongside you and learn from you. You have set an example both on and off the field and your record speaks for itself. The nation is indebted to you for your dedication, tolerance and love for the game,” he said.
Mushfiqur also expressed his gratitude to Mahmudullah for all they achieved together.“It was truly a great honour to play with you on the field for so many years. My sincere thanks for your guidance and the countless memories we have made together. I am incredibly proud of what you have achieved for our country. Mashallah, enjoy this well-deserved retirement, Riyad Bhai.”
Tamim Iqbal bid farewell to international cricket last January. He thanked Mahmudullah for his contribution to the national team over his long career.
“Congratulations on a successful end to a stellar international career successfully, Riyad Bhai. You are one of the pillars of Bangladesh cricket and an inspiration to many of us on and off the field. We will always remember the memories we forged together in the dressing room.”
“Thank you very much for your contribution to the country's cricket and best wishes for the future….”
Mahmudullah played 18 years on the national team. When he started in 2007, it was under captain Mohammad Ashraful. His final match was captained by Nazmul Hossain Shanto. Shanto said Mahmudullah had always been a beacon of inspiration.
“Riyad Bhai, my sincere thanks for all your contributions to Bangladesh cricket on the world stage. I will miss you very much in the dressing room. I will always take inspiration from your work on and off the field. You have inspired many of us and will continue to do so for a long time… Best wishes for your future…”
Since the start of his career, Mehedi Hasan Miraz has partnered with Mahmudullah regularly in the late middle-order. It was during their first partnership that Miraz scored his first ODI century. Miraz recalled that sparkling moment after his retirement.
“Dear Mahmudullah Riyad Bhai, as a teammate and an older brother, I have found you by my side in any time of need, at any moment. Growing up watching you on TV as a child, sharing the dressing room with you as a cricketer, being a part of your many wonderful memories from the dressing room or the crease, partnering with you at crucial times and getting your support during my first ODI century - all these are extraordinarily memorable events in my personal life.”
“Like every cricket fan in the country, I am grateful to you for your outstanding contribution to Bangladesh cricket and all the wonderful memories. Best wishes for the innings you have left after retirement...”
Taskin Ahmed called Mahmudullah an inspiration to an entire generation.
“A true legend of Bangladesh cricket has departed. Mahmudullah Riyad Bhai, it was truly a huge honour to play alongside you on the field. Your calm presence, match-winning performances and leadership will be remembered forever. You have inspired an entire generation of us, including me.”
“Best wishes for the new chapter of life. Happy retirement, Riyad Bhai!”
Litton Kumar Das said he was lucky to have played with Mahmudullah.
“Mahmudullah Riyad Bhai, you have given a lot to Bangladesh cricket. We have learned a lot from you. It is a privilege for me and certainly for many of us to play under your leadership and share the same dressing room. My sincere wishes for your post-retirement life.”
Towhid Hridoy, who watched Mahmudullah on TV before joining him as a teammate, reminisced about the moments when Mahmudullah’s batting made his heart soar.
“Thank you, Mahmudullah Riyad Bhai for every brilliant moment I watched in front of the TV as a child. Even though everyone called you the Silent Killer, among our friends you were called ‘Pain-Killer.’ There are many matches in which I you delivered us relief at the last minute.”
“You will be in my prayers, as you always have been. Best wishes for your retirement!”
Opener Tanzid Hasan thanked Mahmudullah for being a childhood inspiration and also a mentor in the national team.
“Thank you, dear Mahmudullah Riyad Bhai for every extraordinary moment you gave to Bangladesh cricket. All the wonderful cricketing moments I saw in childhood inspired my current identity as a cricketer.”
“You stood by us and gave advice. You always kept me close, like a younger brother. For your affection, care, everything – I am grateful to you. May your next chapter be even more remarkable...”
