Bangladesh’s veteran all-rounder Mahmudullah, 39, has officially retired from ODI cricket, marking the end of his international playing career. He previously stepped away from Test cricket in 2021 and T20Is in 2024.
Over the course of his 239-match ODI career, Mahmudullah scored 5,689 runs at an average of 36.46. His highest score—an unbeaten 128 against New Zealand in the 2015 World Cup—was one of his four centuries in the format. Notably, three of those tons came in World Cups, making him the only Bangladeshi player to achieve this feat. He also contributed with the ball, picking up 82 wickets with his part-time off-spin.
A key middle-to-lower-order batter, Mahmudullah was known for stepping up when his team needed him the most. He retires as Bangladesh’s fourth-highest run-scorer in ODIs.
Announcing his decision on Facebook, he expressed gratitude to his family, teammates, and fans.
“All praises only for the Almighty Allah,” he wrote. “I have decided to retire from international cricket. I would like to thank all of my teammates, coaches, and especially my fans who have always supported me. A big thank you to my parents, my in-laws—especially my father-in-law—and most importantly, my brother Emdad Ullah, who has been there for me constantly since my childhood as my coach and mentor.”
He also acknowledged the unwavering support of his wife and children. “I know Raeid will miss me in the red and green jersey. Not everything ends perfectly, but you accept it and move forward. Peace, Alhamdulillah. Best wishes to my team and Bangladesh cricket.”
Mushfiqur & Mahmudullah Must Prove Their Worth for ODI World Cup Spot
His retirement had been anticipated after he opted out of Bangladesh Cricket Board’s central contracts. His place in the team had been under scrutiny following Bangladesh’s disappointing 2025 Champions Trophy campaign, where they failed to win a match.
Bangladesh suffered defeats against India and New Zealand, while their final game against Pakistan was washed out.
Mahmudullah’s retirement comes just a week after fellow veteran and long-time teammate Mushfiqur Rahim also bid farewell to ODIs.
In his international career, Mahmudullah played 50 Tests and 141 T20Is, scoring 2,914 and 2,444 runs, respectively. His final Test appearance was against Zimbabwe in Harare in 2021, while his last T20I came against India in Hyderabad in 2024.
