Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director Khaled Mahmud Sujon made a bold statement regarding Mahmudullah Riyad’s spot in the 2023 World Cup squad.
Veteran Mahmudullah was rested for the ODI series against Ireland at home series in order to give new players more opportunities. He was also left out of the squad for the upcoming ODI series against Ireland.
Sujon stated that he does not see Mahmudullah in the World Cup roster; if he were in the squad, he would have played in the current series.
“Mahmudullah Riyad is definitely a very important cricketer for us. He has won many matches for the Bangladesh team. However, being honest, since he’s not in the national team, I don’t see Riyad in the World Cup squad. He would have been in these series. Maybe Hridoy is doing well, Afif is also not in the team now,” said Sujon.
Mahmudullah lost his place in the T20 team after leaving the captaincy following the T20 World Cup. The all-rounder was criticized for his strike rate and for not being able to meet the expectations of his role as a finisher.
“Riyad has experience. We all believe that he can perform if you back him. There is still some time; he is still in the radar. However, I think it is not right to bring someone suddenly before the World Cup. Before that, he should be given matches and series,” he added.
