The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has unveiled its central contract list for 2025, featuring 22 players. This announcement comes with a significant revelation: veteran all-rounder Mahmudullah has opted out of a national contract beyond February 2025, signaling the twilight of his international career.
Mahmudullah Steps Away from National Contract
Mahmudullah, one of Bangladesh’s most experienced cricketers, has informed BCB Cricket Operations of his decision not to seek a contract extension beyond February 2025. The 38-year-old all-rounder, known for his resilience and pivotal contributions in major tournaments, will no longer be a centrally contracted player from March onward. This move raises questions about his future participation in international cricket, especially in T20 formats.
Mushfiqur Rahim’s Downgrade and Other Notable Exclusions
Former Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim, who recently retired from ODIs, has been placed in the Grade B contract category starting in March. The exclusion of wicketkeeper Parvez Hossain Emon, who was absent from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad, further reshapes the list of contracted players.
New Central Contract List for 2025
The BCB has categorized contracts into five tiers:
A+ Category (Top Tier)
- Taskin Ahmed (Only player in this elite category)
A Category
- Najmul Hossain Shanto
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Litton Das
- Mushfiqur Rahim (From March 2025)
B Category
- Mominul Haque
- Taijul Islam
- Mahmudullah (Until February 2025)
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Towhid Hridoy
- Hasan Mahmud
- Nahid Rana
C Category
- Shadman Islam
- Soumya Sarkar
- Jaker Ali
- Tanzid Hasan
- Shoriful Islam
- Rishad Hossain
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib
- Mahedi Hasan
D Category
- Khaled Ahmed
- Nasum Ahmed
Bangladesh’s Champions Trophy Performance and Future Prospects
Despite an early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after losses to India and New Zealand and a rain-affected match against hosts Pakistan, Bangladesh’s qualification itself was a significant achievement. The team secured a place in the tournament over former champions Sri Lanka and the West Indies, underscoring their growing stature in international cricket.
Looking Ahead: Bangladesh’s Roadmap
With Mahmudullah stepping away, Bangladesh will rely on emerging talents to fill the leadership and experience gap. The revamped central contract structure indicates a strategic shift towards nurturing young cricketers while maintaining a core group of experienced players. As the team prepares for upcoming bilateral series and ICC events, the challenge lies in maintaining consistency and competitiveness at the highest level.
As Bangladesh continues its journey in international cricket, the focus remains on developing a balanced squad capable of competing against top-tier teams globally. With strategic planning and player development, the Tigers aim to strengthen their standing in world cricket.
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Conclusion
Mahmudullah’s decision to step away from the national contract marks a transition period for Bangladesh cricket. While the new contract structure emphasizes youth development, experienced players like Mushfiqur Rahim and Taskin Ahmed remain vital pillars. As Bangladesh navigates this shift, the team’s ability to foster emerging talent while maintaining competitive consistency will determine its success in the coming years.
