Khaled Mahmud, fondly known as Sujon, is a former cricketer from Bangladesh who made a significant impact on the field during his career. He captained the national team as well as showcased his skills with both bat and ball.
Born and raised in Siddeshwari, a residential neighborhood in Dhaka, Khaled Mahmud belonged to a family where cricket was a significant part of their lives. His elder brothers also played club cricket, which further fueled his passion for the sport. Starting as a taped-tennis hitter, Mahmud quickly progressed to become a formidable player, known for his grit and determination.
Mahmud’s career had several memorable moments, but one game that defined his legacy was the 2003 Multan Test against Pakistan. Despite Bangladesh’s loss by just one wicket, Mahmud left a lasting impression with his impressive performance. Although he did not score many runs in that game, he picked up seven wickets, including four in the first innings, displaying his skills as a bowler. Even in the closing stages of the match, he bowled tirelessly, pushing his body to its limits. It was a game that could have seen Bangladesh securing a victory if the team had more experience in Test cricket.
Before making his international debut, Mahmud established himself as a force to be reckoned with in domestic cricket during the 1990s. He made his ODI debut in 1998 with a solid knock of 47 against India. However, it took him three more years to achieve his dream of representing Bangladesh in Test cricket. One of the highlights of his career came during the 1999 World Cup when he was awarded the Man-of-the-Match for his outstanding performance against Pakistan. His military-medium pace proved to be a challenge for renowned batsmen.
In 2003, Mahmud took over the captaincy of the national team from Khaled Mashud, playing a crucial role in stabilizing the team amidst the high-profile coaching of Dav Whatmore. Although Mahmud and the Australian coach did not always see eye to eye, their differences were kept behind closed doors. However, in November 2003, Mahmud was excluded from the Test squad while continuing to play ODIs under the leadership of Habibul Bashar. He tearfully bid farewell to international cricket in 2006 after playing the first game of the series against Sri Lanka.
Following his retirement, Mahmud transitioned into coaching and quickly found success in his new role. He briefly served as an assistant to coach Jamie Siddons with the national team during the 2009-10 period. His expertise and knowledge of the game continue to benefit aspiring cricketers in Bangladesh.
Khaled Mahmud’s contribution to Bangladesh cricket cannot be overlooked. Despite facing challenges and limitations, he displayed determination, skill, and leadership throughout his playing career. His memorable performances and passion for the sport have left an indelible mark on the cricketing history of Bangladesh.
