[In Pictures] Bangladesh teammates honor Mahmudullah ahead of his final T20I

Bangladesh cricket players honored veteran all-rounder Mahmudullah ahead of what will be his final T20I. The spin-bowling all-rounder has already retired from the longest version and the 3rd T20I against India on Saturday at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium will be his last match in the format.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) shared pictures of all the players coming together on the field to applaud the 38-year-old, who received a crest. Tamim Iqbal, who is on commentary duty for the series, also met the all-rounder to congratulate him.

Here are some pictures of the moment:

The former T20I skipper perished for a single-figure score in the opening game and top-scored with 41, albeit in a losing cause in the second. Hence, he would prefer to finish his T20I career on a winning note.

India, who are leading the series 2-0, have opted to bat after Suryakumar Yadav won the toss.

"It's right time to move on from this format and try to focus on the ODIs" - Mahmudullah

Before the second T20I against India, the veteran had stated that the decision to retire from the format was not a sudden one and he wanted the focus to be on the next generation. He said, as quoted by Cricbuzz:

"First of all, yes I'm retiring from the T20I cricket after the last game of this series. Actually, I was pretty decided before coming here. I had talked with my family, captain and coach. And with the selector and the board president as well that I'm retiring from this format.

"I think it's right time to move on from this format and try to focus on the ODIs that's coming ahead. I think going forward, it is the right time for me and the team as well to look forward to the next World Cup. I think this is the right time to call."

Mahmudullah last played an ODI in March 2024 and is likely to come in contention for the Champions Trophy next year.