Mahmudullah excluded from Bangladesh’s 26-member camp for Afghanistan series

Bangladesh's preparatory camp ahead of Afghanistan series began on May 29 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. Assistant coach Nic Pothas was seen guiding the batting practice session of the camp where 26 cricketers, who are likely to feature in the both red-ball and white-ball series against Afghanistan, were called.

However, one prominent name missing from the shortlisted players is of the veteran Mahmudullah. The 37-year-old last featured for Bangladesh in the ODI series against England in March 2023 and was not picked for the subsequent ODI series against Ireland. He scored 71 runs at an average of 23.66 and a strike rate of 66.98 in the three innings gainst England. Notably, those are the only three times he has batted in 2023 for the national team.

Mahmudullah’s exclusion comes as a surprise as Bangladesh ODI skipper Tamim Iqbal had said that he will be considered for the no. 7 spot in 2023 ODI World Cup, scheduled in India in October-November. BCB president, Nazmul Hassan Papon had also echoed Iqbal’s thoughts. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Team manager Nafees Iqbal informed the media that five of the 26 cricketers called to the camp are yet to join. However, Mahmudullah was not called despite being present in the country.

"No (regarding Mahmudullah not in the preparatory camp), otherwise you would have seen him," Nafees was quoted as saying by The Daily Star.

Afghanistan to leave tour mid-way for white-ball series against India

Meanwhile, Bangladesh will start their official training session on June 4 after head coach Chandika Hathurusingha returns to the country. Afghanistan will tour Bangladesh for a Test, and three-match ODI series followed by a two-match T20I series. The only Test will start from June 14 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. Following that, Afghanistan will travel to India for a white-ball series and will return to Bangladesh in July for the ODI and T20I leg.