Mahmudullah hopes for fans’ continuous support

Bangladesh’s most dependable batsman in recent times, Mahmudullah has come a long way ever since making his international bow nine years ago. The 30-year old stylish right-hander transformed himself as an integral part of the Tigers set-up in the 2015 World Cup when he smashed back-to-back hundreds. With the forthcoming Dhaka Premier League season 2015-16 season starting from April 22, Mahmudullah, who led Prime Bank Cricket Club to the title in the last edition, was the first cricketer to be called up in the recently held players’ draft. Having been roped in by the same club for the upcoming edition of the premier 50-over competition of the country, the classical batsman, who spoke to the media yesterday for the first time since the 2016 World Twenty20, shared his thoughts on the recently concluded flagship event and the 2015-16 Dhaka League. Here are the excerpts: You were the captain of the champion team, Prime Bank, in the previous season of the Dhaka League. Did you expect that you would be the first player to be called up in the players’ draft? No actually, I did not expect such things but obviously, it feels great to get the first call among the icon cricketers. I would like to thank Sk Jamal club for their trust in me. What’s your take on the current Sheikh Jamal squad? We are a young team and I think it will be a big challenge for me and also for the club. But at the same time, it’s a great opportunity as well. I feel good playing with the young cricketers as they also want to face the challenge. So hopefully we will be able to execute our game-plans which will be important. Are you relaxed at the moment? Yes I am as we have been in action in the last few months. We had a break of two weeks. Following the break, I came for training. As the league will start soon and it will be a long season I have to make sure I remain fit. Any message for the Bangladesh supporters? One thing I would like to request to all the fans is that we always try to win but at times we fail. With that said, we need to get the support from our fans which is very important. I expect those who have been supporting Bangladesh cricket will continue supporting us even if we fail. And I hope that we will play much better cricket in the coming days as we have a lot to achieve for Bangladesh. It’s just the beginning and God willing, we will play much better cricket and move forward.