A green field that once nurtured cricket stars is now under threat of being lost to towering constructions. For 17 years, Mahmudullah Riyad served the country as a dedicated cricketer. But who will take his place if the very grounds that groom future cricketers disappear? In an emotional appeal, Mahmudullah urged authorities to save the field where he began his journey to becoming a star.

Mahmudullah is not alone in his plea. Many renowned cricketers from the Mymensingh region began their careers on the field of Mymensingh Zilla School. However, plans for a building on this historic ground now loom large. Mahmudullah took to Facebook, asking that the area be preserved as a space for sports and not be overtaken by concrete structures. He emphasized the need for this iconic ground to remain a symbol of Mymensingh’s cricketing tradition.

In his heartfelt message, Mahmudullah said, "As a former student of Mymensingh Zilla School, I humbly request the authorities not to allow any construction work on this field. This ground holds many childhood memories for us, memories I will cherish forever."

Mahmudullah also shared how, whenever he visits Mymensingh, he makes a point to stop by the field, reminiscing about the past. “This is where my cricketing journey began. Every time I come back to Mymensingh, I try to visit this ground, reliving the memories and feeling the open air. This place is part of our heritage,” he added.

Sports fields are already becoming scarce in Bangladesh, with towering buildings replacing open spaces, not just in Dhaka but across the country. There is a growing concern over the lack of sports-friendly environments in cities like Mymensingh, making Mahmudullah’s appeal resonate with many. The shortage of practice grounds for professional cricketers is a glaring issue that even affects large cities.