What lies ahead for Bangladesh's Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah?
What's the story
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced that experienced players Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah would have to prove their worth to make it to the ODI squad.
The decision comes after their poor show in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Rahim scored 0 and 2 runs against India and New Zealand respectively, while Mahmudullah could only manage four runs against New Zealand after missing the opener due to injury.
Performance review
BCB discusses players' future in light of recent performances
The BCB board of directors met for the 18th time at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Monday.
The performance of Rahim and Mahmudullah's in the Champions Trophy was a major talking point.
Their shot-selection, especially in the match against New Zealand, was criticized.
The two veteran players were expected to take a relatively young team forward in the tournament.
Selection prospects
BCB chairman comments on players' future
Nazmul Abedin, BCB's cricket operations chairman, was asked if Rahim and Mahmudullah could be included in the 2027 ODI World Cup squad.
He said it would be a "very difficult question" to answer and they must prove themselves.
"Considering their age and performances, it's not my call actually but the selectors'. It wouldn't be right to comment, but it's not going to be very easy," Nazmul said.
Form
A look at their careers
Both Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah have held Bangladesh's batting line-up for years.
With 7,795 runs from 274 matches, the former is the side's second-highest run-scorer in ODIs, only behind Tamim Iqbal (8,357).
Mahmudullah is also one of Bangladesh's four players with over 5,000 runs in the format. He owns 5,689 runs in 239 ODIs at 36.46.
Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah have 13 ODI hundreds between them.