Sharing stories of his time spent in the dressing room with Sir Viv, Mahmudullah informed that the West Indies legend had followed his century against New Zealand in the 2017 Champions Trophy. According to the Bangladesh stand-in captain, Sir Viv follows Bangladesh cricket more often than not. "He spoke with me about my century against New Zealand. He saw that innings and spoke to me about how I attacked the bowlers to get my team the momentum under pressure situation. I was very pleased when he spoke to me about it. It is one of my achievements I must say (getting praised by a great like Sir Viv). I will remember this for the rest of my life," said Mahmudullah. "He is a good follower of Bangladesh cricket. He spoke about Tamim's [Iqbal] batting and also Shakib [al Hasan], Mushfiqur [Rahim] and Mustafizur [Rahman]. He enjoyed Mustafizur's bowling in PSL and wished Bangladesh team well," the all-rounder added.#PSL time.... pic.twitter.com/sOqE6KfWYe
— Mahmudullah Riyad (@Mahmudullah30) February 20, 2018
Makeshift Bangladesh T20I captain Mahmudullah said he was fascinated to work under the legendary Sir Viv Richards in the Quetta Gladiators dressing room in the Pakistan Super League T20.
The Tigers, who reached Colombo Sunday night, had their first practice session in Colombo at P Sara Oval Stadium Monday afternoon. Mahmudullah sitting at the edge of the dressing room at the venue was unpacking his kit bag when he was asked to share his experience with Sir Viv, who is working as the mentor for the Gladiators. When he replied, Mahmudullah's excitement was clearly visible on his face. He said, "The experience was amazing. It is not possible to explain in words."
Mahmudullah in his second consecutive season for the Gladiators played two matches this season before heading back to Dhaka to join the Bangladesh team, who traveled to Sri Lanka for the Nidahas T20I tri-nation series.
"He is a gem of a person. He is a superstar and a role model to cricketers like us but he will never make you feel that. He is very lively and a social person, and full of life. He speaks to the players a lot and inspires them and none of it looks artificial. I was with him last year too, I am honestly fascinated," said Mahmudullah to Dhaka Tribune in Colombo Monday.
