Mahmudullah Riyad—A cricketing star fading away

Versatile cricketer Mahmudullah Riyad may not have regrets about his career, but we certainly will. Though he has gradually stepped away from international cricket, there isn’t much emotional turmoil surrounding his departure. At 39, this player has long passed his prime. While he has occasionally showcased his skills, those moments have become rare. Yet, for various reasons, he has chosen to prolong his career in a way that diminishes his former glory.

This tendency is common among many Bangladeshi cricketers. Even when out of form, they often feel essential until the very end. When they finally decide to retire or are forced to do so, their appeal diminishes. Cricketers seem unable to properly evaluate their own worth. They struggle with indecision and are unable to shake off the hangover of fame, which they pay for throughout their careers.

Many fail to reach where they should be after their playing days are over. Interestingly, most cricketers do not seem to express regret about this. Perhaps they think that the fame gained from international cricket is enough, and they feel grateful for it. This mindset of contentment often prevents them from achieving more. Mahmudullah is one of those who has been unable to go further.

Mahmudullah's shortcomings stem from the high expectations surrounding him. He has not fully met those expectations, leaving a significant sense of unfulfillment. This is why he is recognized as a cricket star that has dimmed after shining brightly—a symbol of both consistency and inconsistency. Had he maintained that consistency, his standing could have been much higher, potentially strengthening Bangladesh's position in the cricketing world.

One might wonder, does anyone intentionally play poorly? Perhaps not. Yet, there is something to be said about intrinsic motivation. With a deep commitment to the game and a mindset of giving his all, a talented and intelligent cricketer like Mahmudullah could have achieved much more.

For some reason, he often comes across as a casual player. When he focuses, he shows himself to be among the best in the world. However, when he loses that focus, he seems like a reckless cricketer. This inconsistency leads to performances where he excels in consecutive matches, only to falter in several others.

Known as the "Silent Killer," this all-rounder has pulled off some unbelievable victories for his team from the middle or lower order, earning him the title of finisher. Even in matches where the team couldn't secure a win, his solitary battles have often captured attention.

Mahmudullah's career is intertwined with stories of rise and fall. His back-to-back centuries against England and New Zealand in the 2015 World Cup remain vivid memories, with Bangladesh winning the first match but losing the second. In the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, his unbeaten 102 against New Zealand brought the team to the brink of victory.

In 2018, during the Nidahas T20 Tri-Series in Colombo, he played a blistering innings of 43 runs off just 18 balls, leading Bangladesh to defeat Sri Lanka and secure a place in the final. In the 2019 World Cup, he scored impressive unbeaten innings of 46 and 69 against South Africa and Australia, respectively. His outstanding 77-run innings against visiting India in 2022 played a crucial role in achieving victory.

Mahmudullah's solitary fight in the 2023 World Cup touched many hearts, particularly his remarkable innings of 111 runs against South Africa. He also has several notable innings in Test cricket, including his first Test century during the 2010 tour of New Zealand and an impressive 136 runs against West Indies in Mirpur in 2018.

However, he has faced criticism for coming close but failing to secure victories. The pain of losing by just 1 run to hosts India in the 2016 T20 World Cup, where he couldn't finish the match effectively, still lingers. Additionally, he has often crumbled under the weight of responsibilities placed upon him.

While he found success primarily as a batsman, he has also occasionally provided essential support as a bowler, turning the tide of games. In 2009, he made a significant contribution by taking 8 wickets against West Indies in Kingston. His name is also associated with several personal milestones throughout his career.

Mahmudullah is one of the classic cricketers, possessing both grace and beauty in his batting. His aesthetic batting style has captivated audiences, but to adapt to the three formats of cricket, he has had to alter his playing pattern. This has led to him demonstrating how this seemingly gentle cricketer can be aggressive when the team needs it.

Mahmudullah embodies the image of a true gentleman—refined, polite, and soft-spoken. There are no scandals associated with him, nor any controversies. In a time when discussions about players, both on and off the field, are commonplace, maintaining a clean and innocent image is no easy feat. In this respect, he is unique and exceptional, never allowing any scandal to touch him. He likely feels comfortable following the Victorian standards of 'cricketing conduct.'

Undoubtedly, Mahmudullah is one of the top five cricketers in the history of Bangladesh. Although he is stepping back from cricket at a mature age, he has already retired from Test cricket. In his last Test match in 2021, he was the hero of Bangladesh's victory, scoring an unbeaten 150 runs against Zimbabwe in Harare. However, he has not formally announced his retirement from Test cricket. He still has the desire to play ODIs, but it remains uncertain whether he will get the opportunity.

Overall, Mahmudullah is at the twilight of his career. His absence will not be easily filled. With over ten thousand runs, more than one hundred wickets, and over one hundred catches across all formats, his achievements are certainly significant. Along with that, he brings his charismatic leadership qualities. In summary, everyone will have to wait a long time to find another all-rounder like Mahmudullah.

Author: Editor, Fortnightly Sports Magazine Krirajagat