Mashud disappointed with lack of communication

Khaled Mashud, the former Bangladesh wicketkeeper, who announced his retirement from international cricket on Sunday, has said a lack of communication from the selectors made it difficult for senior players like him. Mashud, 32, said his omission from the squad for the upcoming New Zealand series made him realise he wouldn't be part of the selectors' plans in the near future.

"I am a senior player and I think there should be an understanding with the selection committee," Mashud told the Dhaka-based Daily Star. "They could have talked with me. Ian Healy once told me the Australian board informed him a month in hand that he would not be around. I think if that practice was undertaken by our board, it would be a little less painful for senior cricketers like me." His contract, along with those of Javed Omar and Mohammad Rafique, was not renewed by the board in December 2007.

Mashud also denied reports that he had asked the Bangladesh board for a farewell match. "I read in a few papers that I asked the board for a game. I cannot do that since I am a professional cricketer. I know that only the best performers play for the country and I would never tell the board to bring me in just for a farewell match. I did not play cricket for so long to beg for a match."

Mashud was replaced by Mushfiqur Rahim for the 2007 World Cup and he said he had tried hard to make a comeback. "They [selectors] told me my batting was failing me, so I concentrated on that. Then they told me I didn't keep regularly in the National Cricket League. Is it a crime to not keep for three or four matches in an entire season?

"People in the street ask me when I will be back for Bangladesh and I had no answer for them. In such a difficult time for our cricket, I thought it would have been quite a challenge to play again."

Mashud said the most memorable moment of his career was the ICC Trophy win in Malaysia in 1997. Bangladesh were chasing 166 in 25 overs and Mashud, with 15 off seven balls, was there to guide them to a final-ball win. "Whoever I am is because of that ICC Trophy final. There would be no Khaled Mashud or Mohammad Ashraful if we didn't win that match. It was the turning point and we united Bangladesh with that win."

He was appointed as a consultant by the Bangladesh board's games development committee along with Aminul Islam and Mohammad Rafique to coach age-group and academy cricketers in August. Mashud said he was keen to pass on his experience to youngsters, while still playing first-class cricket.