Mahmudullah retires from Test cricket

Bangladesh T20I captain Mahmudullah has announced his retirement from Test cricket, the Bangladesh Cricket Board confirmed on Wednesday (November 24).

Mahmudullah, who made a comeback to the Test format earlier this year in Zimbabwe, had already informed his teammates that he won't be extending his career in the longest format following his career-best 150* against the African nation in Bangladesh's 220-run win.

While the BCB were pondering if Mahmudullah's decision was just an emotional one, the batting all-rounder has made the call official. Despite quitting Test cricket, Mahmudullah has made it clear that he wants to continue featuring in ODIs and T20Is. "Leaving a format of which I have been a part of for such a long time is not easy," Mahmudullah said.

"I had always thought of going on a high and I believe this is the right time to end my Test career. I want to extend my gratitude to the BCB President for supporting me when I returned to the Test team. I thank my teammates and the support staff for always encouraging me and believing in my ability. It has been an absolute honour and privilege to play Test cricket for Bangladesh and I will cherish the many memories.

"Although I am retiring from Tests, I will still be playing ODIs and T20 internationals and really looking forward to continue giving my best for my country in white-ball cricket."

Mahmudullah, who made his Test debut in the West Indies in 2009, winds up his career having scored almost 3000 runs at an average of 33.49, including five centuries. He also has a five-wicket haul in Test cricket, finishing with 43 wickets.

Unavailable for Bangladesh Cricket League

Meanwhile, Cricbuzz has learnt that Mahmudullah made him unavailable from the upcoming Bangladesh Cricket League, the country's lone franchise-based first-class zonal competition scheduled to be played from December 10.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board is scheduled to host the draft of Bangladesh Cricket League at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium today, said BCB in a

statement on Wednesday.

Mahmudullah's name was included in players draft subject to availability but later he had withdrawn from the tournament despite being available as he will not be part of the Test squad that will travel to New Zealand to play the two-match Test series when the tournament will be played by four teams.