From the cricket-adoring streets of Mymensingh to global sporting stardom, Mahmudullah Riyad’s journey illuminates the power of skill and determination. His all-round brilliance became the lynchpin of Bangladesh’s rise as a cricketing force. With bat and ball, Mahmudullah etched his name into his nation’s rich cricket history through iconic performances. He piloted Bangladesh to their first overseas Test victory, then propelled their inaugural World Cup quarterfinal qualification. Off the field, Mahmudullah built a fulfilling life centered on family and his abiding passion for cricket. Now entering the final act of his career, Mahmudullah has assured his legacy as one of Bangladesh’s greatest sporting icons. Join us as we trace his path from budding talent to respected veteran, and experience how he ignited Bangladeshi cricket’s transformation. Mahmudullah Riyad’s story reveals how dreams can be achieved when natural ability aligns with an indomitable spirit.
Mahmadullah Batting Career Stats
| Format | M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 50 | 94 | 6 | 2914 | 150 | 33.11 | 5456 | 53.41 | 5 | 0 | 16 | 338 | 24 |
| ODI | 229 | 199 | 51 | 5348 | 128 | 36.14 | 6962 | 76.82 | 4 | 0 | 28 | 403 | 92 |
| T20I | 121 | 113 | 23 | 2121 | 64 | 23.57 | 1810 | 117.18 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 161 | 64 |
Bowling Career Stats
| Format | M | Inn | B | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Econ | Avg | SR | 5W | 10W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 50 | 66 | 3423 | 1958 | 43 | 5/51 | 8/110 | 3.43 | 45.53 | 79.6 | 1 | 0 |
| ODI | 229 | 151 | 4350 | 3792 | 82 | 3/4 | 3/4 | 5.23 | 46.24 | 53.05 | 0 | 0 |
| T20I | 121 | 70 | 845 | 1012 | 38 | 3/10 | 3/10 | 7.19 | 26.63 | 22.24 | 0 | 0 |
Career Information
Test debut vs West Indies at Arnos Vale Ground, Jul 09, 2009
Last Test vs Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club, Jul 07, 2021
ODI debut vs Sri Lanka at R.Premadasa Stadium, Jul 25, 2007
Last ODI vs Australia at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Nov 11, 2023
T20 debut vs Kenya at Gymkhana Club Ground, Sep 01, 2007
Last T20 vs Sri Lanka at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Sep 01, 2022
Biography
Surrounded by cricket-crazed hordes in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, young Mahmudullah Riyad felt destiny calling from an early age. Though academics beckoned, Mahmudullah’s heart pulsed for cricket - the nation’s great sporting passion that pumped through his veins. While details of his formal schooling remain scarce, Mahmudullah likely balanced scholarly pursuits with honing his all-round skills. Mahmudullah’s domestic career ignited with Dhaka Division, where his batting brilliance and crafty off-spin bowling marked him as a player to watch. Consistent quality performances paved Mahmudullah’s path to Bangladesh’s national team in July 2007, fulfilling his childhood aspirations. Thrust onto the international stage, Mahmudullah set aside nerves to make his country proud. His skills sharpened through each match, smoothing away rookie edges until Mahmudullah became a vital cog in Bangladesh’s machine. From cricket-adoring child to rising national star, Mahmudullah’s journey illustrates how passion and talent aligned can propel dreams into reality. His success etched a path for Mymensingh’s next generation to follow.
Career Journey from Domestic to International League and Retirement
Mahmudullah lit up Bangladesh’s 2008-2009 domestic scene, finishing as the National Cricket League’s second-highest run machine, averaging a blistering 54.61. His blazing bat punched his ticket back into Bangladesh’s ODI squad. When Bangladesh launched its glitzy new Twenty20 tournament in 2012, the Bangladesh Premier League, franchises scrambled to snag Mahmudullah. The Chittagong Kings emerged victorious, signing the all-round dynamo for $110,000. Mahmudullah thrilled fans season after season, consistently topping his teams in runs and chipping in crafty wickets. The dazzling performances continued abroad, as Pakistan’s Quetta Gladiators snatched up Mahmudullah for the 2017 Pakistan Super League. Though his stay was brief, Mahmudullah left his mark with 37 runs and 7 wickets. Back home, Mahmudullah became Bangladesh’s most coveted cricketer for the 2017-18 Dhaka Premier League. As first draft pick, he signed as the league’s highest paid player. In 2020-21, Mahmudullah captained the Gemcon Khulna to the shiny new Bangabandhu T20 Cup. Through lighting up premier leagues at home and abroad, Mahmudullah cemented his status as an all-round superstar and formidable leader. His non-stop highlights reel electrified Bangladesh cricket.
Mahmudullah’s cricket destiny dawned during Bangladesh’s 2007 Sri Lanka tour. In his debut ODI, the young all-rounder dazzled with 36 runs and 2 wickets, foreshadowing future brilliance. Though Sri Lanka prevailed, Mahmudullah was soon fast-tracked into Bangladesh’s squad for the 2007 World T20. His Test debut followed in 2009 against West Indies, where Mahmudullah’s 8-wicket haul catalyzed Bangladesh’s first-ever overseas Test victory. But despite proving his talents, selectors perplexingly pegged Mahmudullah down the batting order over perceived technique flaws. At the 2011 World Cup, Mahmudullah was thrust into Bangladesh’s vice-captaincy aged just 24. He later battled illness to face Pakistan, redeeming his absence with a man-of-the-match 3-wicket burst. Then at the 2015 World Cup, Mahmudullah smashed Bangladesh’s first-ever World Cup ton versus England, propelling their historic quarterfinals entry. He followed this with another century against New Zealand, topping Bangladesh’s run-scoring while earning a place in the ‘Team of the Tournament.’ Mahmudullah continued excelling when captaincy came calling, first deputizing for injured Shakib Al Hasan. Under Mahmudullah’s leadership, Bangladesh posted record T20I totals and qualified for the 2018 Nidahas Trophy final. Though Bangladesh stumbled at the 2019 World Cup, Mahmudullah rebounded to register his career-best 150 in his 50th and final Test. From 2007 debutant to Bangladesh’s most-capped ODI player, Mahmudullah fulfilled his immense potential through perseverance.
Retirement
During Bangladesh’s 2021 Test against Zimbabwe, Mahmudullah stunned teammates on day three by intimating his Test retirement. Though suddenly announced mid-match, Mahmudullah scripted a fairy tale finale. His unbeaten 150 was a career-best as Bangladesh triumphed by 220 runs. Despite criticism from the BCB president over negatively impacting the team, Mahmudullah opted to end his Test journey on a high. His teammates gave Mahmudullah an honorable guard of honor the following morning in recognition of his service. By retiring on his own terms after a Man of the Match performance in his 50th and final Test, Mahmudullah departed with head held high. His story demonstrates seizing the right moment to exit, going out while still at the peak of one’s powers. Though his sudden mid-match exit caused a stir, Mahmudullah crafted the ending he desired to an illustrious Test career.
Personal Life
Off the pitch, Mahmudullah’s life brims with familial warmth. In 2011, he married sweetheart Jannatul Kawsar Mishti in wedded bliss, and the couple has since welcomed two beloved sons, Raeed and Mayed. Mahmudullah also shares a special bond with brother-in-law and cricket compatriot Mushfiqur Rahim, whose sister is married to Mahmudullah’s wife. When not competing, Mahmudullah unwinds with hobbies like cycling and fishing, enjoying the serenity away from cricket’s pressures. He admires fellow cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni, reflecting respect for those at the pinnacle of his sport. For complete relaxation, Mahmudullah escapes to tranquil destinations like Singapore and Bali, relishing diverse cultures. While Mahmudullah’s broader family details stay private, his content life reveals cricket woven into both professional and personal fabrics. From raising sons with wife Mishti to fostering special ties across Bangladesh’s cricket community, Mahmudullah’s world illuminates how family and passion deeply intertwine
Conclusion
From rising talent to respected veteran, Mahmudullah has carved an unforgettable legacy in Bangladeshi cricket. His all-round brilliance catalyzed iconic national moments, like Bangladesh’s first overseas Test victory and World Cup quarterfinal qualification. Off the field, Mahmudullah has built a fulfilling life through family, travel, and camaraderie with fellow cricketers. As Mahmudullah enters the twilight of his career, his imprint on Bangladesh’s cricket ascendance is assured. The numbers only tell part of the story. Through perseverance and passion, Mahmudullah became an inspiration to the next generation, showing what Bangladesh could achieve on the world stage. His skillful performances will be remembered, but also his sportsmanship in ushering Bangladesh into a new cricketing era. While Mahmudullah may soon exit the international arena, his impact radiates across Bangladesh cricket. His name now belongs among the nation’s great sporting icons. When Bangladesh’s future stars have their moments in the sun, they will know Mahmudullah blazed the trail. His legacy is lifelong.