Bangladesh had an average T20 World Cup this year which ended some days on June 29. They crossed the group-stage easily beating Sri Lanka, Nepal and Netherlands but lost all the matches in the Super Eight stage against Australia, India and Afghanistan. Bangladesh had the opportunity to reach the semifinals even at their last match against Afghanistan but they failed.

In the Afghanistan match, when Bangladesh needed 40 runs from 3 overs to qualify for the semifinals, Mahmudullah Riyad gave 5 dot balls in Noor Ahmad’s over. After that, his 5 dot balls in one over at the crucial time of the Afghanistan match are getting severe criticism.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan Papon talks about this in the press-conference after the Board Meeting on Tuesday (July 2). Regarding Riyad's 5 dots in the Afghanistan match, Papon said, “Mahmudullah Riyad played 5 dot balls in Noor Ahmad’s over. Then, he was dismissed by Rashid Khan when trying to hit a six. What I see here is not what I think. I firmly believe it, though I have not yet spoken. If Riyad had the chance, he would have scored. This is my idea. It seems to me that if he had got the chance, he would have definitely hit shots. Maybe he couldn't have it there...... Did Towhid Hridoy seem like playing defensively? Not everyone played defensively. They tried. I think they should have tried till the end. That we would win within 12 overs. I agree with that.”

Referring to Riyad, Papon added, “Even then, Mahmudullah Riyad, Rishad (Hossain) got out after trying to hit Rashid Khan for a six in the last over. Where did they play defensively? After they got out, rest of the batters played to survive. When they were supposed to defend, they did attack and when they were supposed to attack, they did defend. You tell me what it means? Is there any point in asking me? You do not understand the game? Shall I answer this?”

“I am saying that it cannot be acceptable in any way. We should have fought till 12 overs to win.”