Mahmudullah Riyad: A Biography of Bangladesh’s Iconic All-Rounder

Early Life and Family Background

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Mahmudullah Riyad, born Mohammad Mahmudullah Riyad on February 4, 1986, in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, is a renowned Bangladeshi cricketer. He is celebrated for his contributions as a versatile all-rounder, excelling in both batting and bowling. At the age of 38, Mahmudullah stands tall at 183 cm (6 feet) with a strong athletic build weighing 75 kg (165 lbs). His dedication to cricket and humble beginnings make him a beloved figure in Bangladesh.

He is married to Jannatul Kawsar Mishti, and the couple has a son born in June 2012. Interestingly, his family has close ties to Bangladesh’s cricket fraternity. His wife’s younger sister is married to another Bangladeshi cricket star, Mushfiqur Rahim, making them in-laws.

Cricket Journey: The Early Days

Mahmudullah made his international debut in 2007 and has been an integral part of Bangladesh’s cricket team ever since. He began his career as an off-break bowler but soon transitioned into a dependable middle-order batsman. His debut in ODI cricket came on February 9, 2007, against Zimbabwe in Wellington. Later that year, he made his T20 debut on September 1, 2007, against Kenya. His Test debut followed on January 4, 2008, in a match against New Zealand in Dunedin.

Key Achievements and Records

Mahmudullah’s cricketing career is adorned with impressive milestones:

• First Bangladeshi to score a World Cup century: In the 2015 ICC World Cup, he scored back-to-back centuries, one against England and another against New Zealand. This achievement not only marked his name in history but also made him the first Bangladeshi to score consecutive World Cup tons.
• Test bowling feat: On his Test debut, Mahmudullah took 8 wickets in the match against Zimbabwe, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings.
• ODI performance record: In 2012, he set a record for scoring the highest individual runs for Bangladesh at the number 7 batting position with an unbeaten 75 runs.

Playing Style and Team Roles

Mahmudullah is a right-handed batsman and a right-arm off-break bowler. Known for his aggressive nature on the field, he has been a consistent performer in high-pressure matches. His jersey number is 30, a symbol familiar to fans across the world.

Domestically, Mahmudullah has represented teams like Dhaka Division, Khulna Titans, Chittagong Kings, and Barisal Bulls. His versatility has earned him the reputation of being a reliable player for Bangladesh in all formats of the game.

Recent Role in ICC Champions Trophy

In the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, Mahmudullah’s name featured prominently in the squad list, showcasing his continued relevance to Bangladesh’s cricket setup. Despite his retirement from Test cricket in 2021, he remains a crucial player in the ODI format. His inclusion is a testament to his consistency, experience, and leadership qualities.

Personal Interests and Favorites

Beyond cricket, Mahmudullah enjoys cycling and fishing. He is a devout Muslim and follows a disciplined lifestyle. He is an ardent admirer of MS Dhoni, often drawing inspiration from the Indian cricket legend. For instance, he adopted the use of pink bat grips, similar to Dhoni.

Controversies and Challenges

Mahmudullah has largely maintained a controversy-free career. However, like any professional athlete, he has faced criticism during low phases. Despite challenges, he has always bounced back stronger, solidifying his place as one of Bangladesh’s greatest cricketing icons.

Legacy and Impact

Mahmudullah Riyad’s journey from a small-town boy to an international cricket star is inspiring. His consistent performances in pivotal matches and ability to rise under pressure have made him a national hero. The 2015 World Cup, in particular, highlighted his skill and determination, cementing his place in the history of Bangladeshi cricket.

His retirement from Test cricket has not diminished his influence. Instead, he has focused on ODIs and T20s, contributing significantly to Bangladesh’s cricketing success. As he continues to represent his country, his legacy inspires the next generation of cricketers.

Lesser-Known Facts About Mahmudullah

• On his ODI debut, he was the only Bangladeshi player to score in double digits, making 36 runs.
• He is often referred to by his middle name rather than his first or last name.
• His consistent batting in the 2015 ICC World Cup made him the highest individual scorer for Bangladesh in the tournament.

Career Highlights

Mahmudullah’s Future Prospects

As Mahmudullah approaches the twilight of his career, he remains an integral part of Bangladesh’s cricket team. His leadership, experience, and ability to perform under pressure make him indispensable in major tournaments, including the ICC Champions Trophy. Fans and critics alike eagerly anticipate his contributions in the coming years.

Check out the Champions Trophy Schedule, Champions Trophy Live Score, Champions Trophy Squads , Champions Trophy Stats Champions Trophy Tour, Champions Trophy Venues & Champions Trophy Latest News here!

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches

Pakistan vs New Zealand - 1st Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs India - 2nd Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs South Africa - 3rd Match, Group B | Australia vs England - 4th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs India - 5th Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs New Zealand - 6th Match, Group A | Australia vs South Africa - 7th Match, Group B | Afghanistan vs England - 8th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs Bangladesh - 9th Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs Australia - 10th Match, Group B | England vs South Africa - 11th Match, Group B | New Zealand vs India - 12th Match, Group A | TBA vs TBA, 1st Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, 2nd Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, Final |

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Teams

PAKISTAN | NEW ZEALAND | BANGLADESH | INDIA | AFGHANISTAN | SOUTH AFRICA | AUSTRALIA | ENGLAND