Mahmudullah announces retirement from international cricket: Details here
What's the story
Mahmudullah, the veteran Bangladeshi cricketer, has announced his retirement from international cricket.
The 39-year-old took to social media to announce the news on Wednesday, bringing an end to an illustrious career.
His decision comes after Bangladesh's early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where he played just one match against New Zealand.
This announcement comes close on the heels of his long-time teammate and brother-in-law Mushfiqur Rahim's ODI retirement.
Career highlights
Mahmudullah's remarkable contributions to Bangladesh cricket
Mahmudullah's retirement is a big one as he ends his career as the fourth-highest run-scorer for Bangladesh in international cricket.
He scored 11,047 runs across formats, including nine centuries and 56 fifties.
He made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in July 2007 and was the first Bangladeshi player to score a hundred in an ODI World Cup match (2015 edition vs England).
Tournament performances
Mahmudullah's impact on ICC tournaments
Mahmudullah's contribution in ICC tournaments is remarkable, with all his centuries coming in these high-pressure matches.
He scored two centuries in the 2015 ODI World Cup and made an unbeaten 102 against New Zealand in the 2017 Champions Trophy.
His last century was a brilliant 111-run contribution against South Africa during the 2023 ODI World Cup in India.
These performances have made him a clutch player under pressure.
Retirement impact
Mahmudullah's legacy in international cricket
Mahmudullah's retirement also marks the end of an era for Bangladesh cricket.
He is the last of the successful quintet, including Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, and Mashrafe Mortaza, to announce his retirement.
However, Shakib Al Hasan's ODI career seems to have ended due to missing the Champions Trophy, not a formal retirement announcement.
Together, they have played a huge role in Bangladesh's rise in international cricket over the last two decades.
Their departures usher a new phase for the national team as they prepare to build a future without these seasoned players.