'You cannot buy Mushfiq-Mahmudullah’s experience'

In Bangladesh cricket, debut ceremonies are celebrated with grandeur. However, when a cricketer retires after a long career, their farewell often takes place quietly, announced via social media. Hardly any Bangladeshi cricketers have had the opportunity to retire from the field itself. The only notable exception is Khaled Mahmud Sujon, the former captain, who retired from international cricket on the field.

Sujon understands the emotions of bidding farewell on the field. That is why he regrets the retirements of Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad. A few days ago, Mushfiq announced his retirement from One Day Internationals, and yesterday, Mahmudullah bid farewell to international cricket. Both players announced their retirements on social media. Sujon believes they deserved to retire from the field. In his view, such players' experience is invaluable.

Sujon is currently the head coach of Gulshan Cricket Club in the ongoing Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League. After his team's match at Mirpur Stadium on Thursday, he spoke about Mushfiq and Mahmudullah's retirements, saying, "They have had wonderful careers. Their careers have been a bright chapter for Bangladesh cricket. They took Bangladesh cricket from one stage to another. I believe they deserved to retire from the field."

"I also believe that their supporters, those who have loved them for so long, deserved to bid them farewell with loud applause. We, the supporters who love their cricket, missed out on that opportunity. Why didn't they retire from the field? Only they can answer that. Perhaps they have their own reasons. But in my opinion, just as a player is handed the cap on the field on their debut, it would have been more presentable if they had retired from the field as well."

Sujon acknowledged how difficult it is to say goodbye to something one loves deeply, stating, "Retirement is painful, especially from something I love the most. But of course, they made the right decision at the right time in their careers. Maybe they could have played a little longer. Whether that would have been the right choice, I do not know. Had they retired on the field, it would have been even better. If Mahmudullah had retired on the field, the gallery would have been full of spectators, and he would have left amidst a standing ovation. That would have been a great honour for him. I don't know why they didn't want to retire on the field, but it would have been nice if they had."

Highlighting the irreplaceable experience of Mushfiq and Mahmudullah, Sujon remarked, "No one can acquire their experience. You cannot buy Mushfiq and Mahmudullah's experience. They weren't big stars initially; they built themselves up bit by bit. Even if you find their replacements, they won't be a perfect 100% match. Their absence may not be filled immediately, but I believe we have enough talented players who can step up."

Sujon played his last international match against Sri Lanka in 2006 at the Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogura. Recalling his retirement from the field, he said, "When I retired, my entire family was present in the stadium—my father, mother, siblings, wife. I retired in Bogura, and they had travelled there from Dhaka. I was very proud that my entire family was there for my final match. It is a significant moment when you retire from the field. The board officials at the time gave me that honour."

If a cricketer informs the board in advance about their last match, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) can make arrangements for a farewell or a formal send-off. Sujon believes Mahmudullah had that opportunity. He explained, "When I retired, I announced that it was my last match. When someone makes such an announcement, the board can organise a farewell ceremony. The board cannot force anyone to retire, but if he had said he would retire after the next series, then the BCB could have prepared accordingly."