Mahmudullah became the latest Bangladeshi player to bid adieu to international cricket in a quiet, secluded way when he announced his retirement via a Facebook post on Wednesday.
Despite being an ICC full member nation for two and a half decades, Bangladeshi fans aren鈥檛 familiar with the fact that a retirement can be something of a celebration.
Mahmudullah represented Bangladesh for almost 18 years, yet he decided to put a curtain on his career in this fashion.
However, the veteran batter retired from three different formats in three different ways.
He just told his team-mates that he would retire from Test cricket in July 2021 in Zimbabwe, and that stirred much speculation. He had just made a comeback to the format after 18 months and scored a hundred.
Finally, he officially retired from the longest format of the game in November that year.
The 39-year-old announced his T20 retirement in the middle of the India tour in October last year. It was the only format where he retired from the ground and as a result his team-mates could felicitate him.
Since his T20 retirement, Mahmudullah had only been active in the 50-over format.
He returned to the format after a hiatus ahead of the 2023 World Cup. He averaged 46.18 since his last return, scoring one hundred and five fifties.
He had four consecutive fifties going into the Champions Trophy, where he played a single match against New Zealand and scored four runs.
This was virtually a do-or-die match for Bangladesh. The two most senior batters, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah, came under scrutiny after they failed to turn up in the big match.
There was no prior announcement from either the players or the management. But Mushfiq and Mahmudullah retired from the 50-over format within a week of each other.
Mahmudullah didn鈥檛 clarify why he was retiring; he just said, 鈥楴ot everything comes to an end in a perfect way, but you say yes and move forward.鈥�
However, tributes started to pour in from former and present cricketers, just like they did a week ago.
Former captain Shakib Al Hasan, who himself didn鈥檛 get his desired farewell, wrote on Facebook, 鈥楻iyad Bhai, it鈥檚 been a privilege playing by your side and learning from you along the way. You鈥檝e led by example, both on and off the field, and your records speak for itself.
鈥極ur nation is indebted to you for your dedication, resilience, and love for the game and country.
鈥楳ay Allah continue to bless you and your family and guide you in your new journey,鈥� added Shakib.
Former captain and BCB President Faruque Ahmed hailed Mahmudullah for his contributions to the national team. 鈥楾his is a somber moment for everyone associated with Bangladesh cricket as Mahmudullah has been a pillar of strength for the national team for close to two decades.
鈥楬is consistency and ability to thrive under pressure have made him an invaluable asset. His dedication and performances have set a benchmark for future generations, and his legacy will remain a source of inspiration.鈥�
Another former captain, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, wrote, 鈥楥ongratulations on a wonderful career, Riyad. To me, you are more than the numbers beside your name. We know how you were needed in the team and how you transpired those needs.鈥�
National team captain Najmul Hossain Shanto also echoed his predecessors. He said, 鈥榃ill surely miss you in the dressing room and take inspiration from your deeds on and off the field. You have inspired many of us, and you will keep doing so for a very long time.鈥�