Mahmudullah says players should perform as a team in Shakib's absence

Mahmudullah Riyad has been one of Bangladesh's most promising youngsters for a long time. He has helped Bangladesh by batting as a pinch-hitter in several games where he has played some great knocks. Riyad has also helped his side with his off-spin as well.  Mahmudullah, who has represented Bangladesh in 46 Tests, 185 ODIs and 78 T20Is from 2007 has played a lot of cricket with Shakib Al Hasan. After the star all-rounder was handed a two-year ban, Riyad went on to say that his ban will work as a motivation for Bangladesh.

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'Shakib's ban will motivate Bangladesh'

While speaking to a sports news website, Mahmudullah said that Shakib Al Hasan's absence will work as a motivation for the Bangladeshi team and that they have to play with their heart for the country. The 33-year-old also added that there is no great honour than playing for the country and that the responsibility of leading the side lied with him and he will try to give it his all. Mahmudullah, who was handed the T20I captaincy ahead of the upcoming series against India also said that the statistics do not lie and it was a tough ask but not an impossible one. He then mentioned that Bangladesh have to perform as a team and ensure that they take advantage of every opportunity. 

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'You will definitely come back strongly'

On Tuesday, Shakib Al Hasan was handed a two-year ban along with a one-year suspension for not reporting a corrupt approach made by a bookie. The fans and members from the cricketing fraternity came forward to speak on the issue and also to encourage the veteran cricketer. Among them was Mustafizur Rahman. 'The Fizz' took to the micro-blogging site and wrote that he did not know what to say and that he still could not believe that the Bangladesh team would have to play without Shakib. The pacer then mentioned that he had absolutely no doubts that the world-class all-rounder will definitely come back strongly and that they will be waiting for the day.

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