Mahmudullah Riyad has not been included in the 26-member squad of Bangladesh as preparation for the upcoming Afghanistan series started today at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

Assistant coach Nic Pothas guided the first day's training as the head coach Chandika Hathurusingha is yet to reach Bangladesh. The head coach will come back to the country on June 3, a day before the practice session starts in full swing.

Team Manager Nafis Iqbal informed that five of the 26 cricket who are likely to feature in the bilateral series against Afghanistan, are yet to join the camp as they are with Bangladesh A team to play the third and final unofficial Test against West Indies A.

But with the 2023 World Cup in mind, Mahmudullah's exclusion raised an eyebrow. Despite losing his place after the ODI series against England at home in March, Mahmudullah was in consideration for a place in World Cup, according to Captain Tamim Iqbal and BCB President Nazmul Hassan Papon.

Nafis, however, informed that Mahmudullah was not called up for the preparation camp despite being present in the country.

Meanwhile, it is learnt Mahmudullah Riyad would leave the country on June 22 to perform Hajj and in this regard, he also sent a letter to the BCB. He is expected to return to the country on July 5, a day when Bangladesh will play their first ODI against Afghanistan.

BDST: 1930 HRS, MAY 29, 2023
MN/SMS