Mahmudullah even absent in 26-member camp for Afghanistan series

Experienced campaigner Mahmudullah Riyad did not make the cut in Bangladesh's 26-member preparatory camp for the upcoming Afghanistan series at home.

The preparatory camp began today at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, with assistant coach Nic Pothas guiding the batting practice session since the onset.

Team manager Nafees Iqbal informed that five of the 26 cricketers, likely to feature in the red and white-ball series against the Afghans, are yet to join camp.

Mahmdullah's exclusion was surprising since, with the 2023 ODI World Cup in mind, Bangladesh ODI skipper Tamim Iqbal had mentioned Mahmudullah will be considered for the number seven spot in the batting order and the BCB president, Nazmul Hassan Papon, echoed similar sentiments.

Nafis also informed the media that Mahmudullah, who lost his place in the ODI team after the home series against England in March and went on to miss two ODI series against Ireland since, was not called despite being present in the country.

"No (regarding Mahmudullah not in the preparatory camp), otherwise you would have seen him," said Nafees, replying to a query about Mahmudullah.

Following an expected squad announcement for the lone Test against Afghanistan, slated for June 14, the Tigers will begin preparation in full swing with the official training session from June 04, a day after head coach Chandika Hathurusingha returns to the country.