Mahmudullah opts out of BCB's central contract: Here's why
What's the story
Star all-rounder Mahmudullah has opted out of the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) central contract for 2025.
Confirming the decision to Cricbuzz, a BCB official said the experienced player requested not to be included in the central contract from March onward.
Despite his withdrawal, he will still receive the salary for January and February.
Notably, Mahmudullah remains a centrally-contracted player in the current cycle that started this year.
Contract draft
Mahmudullah's future in cricket uncertain
BCB's proposed central contract list for 2025 had put Mahmudullah in Grade B. However, this draft wasn't approved in the last board meeting.
His place in the national side was recently questioned after Bangladesh's early ICC Champions Trophy exit, along with Mushfiqur Rahim.
Rahim recently announced his retirement from ODIs, and there are speculations Mahmudullah may follow suit soon after his 239 ODIs over an 18-year career.
Future plans
Mahmudullah confirms withdrawal from 2027 World Cup
Apart from opting out of the central contract, Mahmudullah has also indicated that he is not eyeing a spot for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The decision is in line with him pulling out of the central contract and hints at a possible shift in his career.
The BCB is yet to issue an official statement on these developments or their impact on future contracts and team selection processes.
Players
Bangladesh set to miss senior batters
Bangladesh are set to miss the presence of both Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur, who have held Bangladesh's batting line-up for years.
With 7,795 runs from 274 matches, the latter is the side's second-highest run-scorer in ODIs, only behind Tamim Iqbal (8,357).
Mahmudullah is also one of Bangladesh's four players with over 5,000 runs in the format. He owns 5,689 runs in 239 ODIs at 36.46.
Both the veterans had paltry returns in the 2025 Champions Trophy.