Bangladesh all-rounder Mahmudullah on Sunday, 18th August, brushed-off his speculated rift with Shakib Al Hasan in the dressing room during the World Cup 2019 in England, saying the things had been presented in a different way.
According to reports, there was a souring relationship between the two all-rounders after Shakib asked Mashrafe Mortaza to drop Mahmudullah following his 28 off 41 balls in the World Cup match against England. However, Mortaza turned down his words and asked the all-rounder to stay away from team planning for most of the World Cup 2019.
As per reports in Cricbuzz, Mahmudullah stated: “I think it is better not to talk about those things. I do not want to comment on [those reports]. The only thing I can say is that some of things did not happened the way it was presented and it could have been presented in a different way. I just want to say this much. I don't think I had a clash with anyone in the team and we are very good friends.”
He continued, “I don’t think I have issues with anyone in the national dressing room. We all are good friends. You can visit the dressing room someday and see how we spend our time in there. You will surely get to see how well we maintain relationships let it be with a junior or a senior. I always try my best to stay well with my colleagues. I have been doing this till date and it will be the same in the future.”
Meanwhile, the all-rounder also gave an update on his fitness, saying his shoulder is currently 100 percent fit and he would regain full fitness ahead of the upcoming events at home.
He further added, “I am hundred percent fit. My shoulder range is also better than before, our physio our and Dr. Debashish Da reported that. Every day is a new beginning. During the break I always thought about when I'd return to the field. And during the break, you get to think where you made mistakes where you are lacking and that will help you come back refreshed. And I think there is no alternate of hard work. The more you work hard, you are going to get a better result. I'm refreshed and I am going to work harder than ever.”
On the competition for places in the Bangladesh line-up, Mahmudullah said, “I am taking it [the competition] very positively. Saif, Afif, they are performing really well in domestic level. They all are very talented and exciting players. We always welcome healthy competition because without that we won't have any progress. So, I always enjoy healthy competition, and that is good for us.”
He signed off by saying, “And I think it's an open challenge now, because the preliminary squad has just been announced, not the final team. So, everyone will try to give their best physically. There will be a physical test soon.”
Noteworthy, Bangladesh’s 35-member preliminary squad will train at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium from August 19 for the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan followed by a tri-series involving Zimbabwe as well at home.
(With Cricbuzz Inputs)
