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Mahmud keeps their requests

SPORTS REPORTER
In a dramatic turnaround former Bangladesh captain Khaled Mahmud yesterday revoked his decision to retire from international cricket.
"I have been repeatedly requested to reconsider my decision. There were requests from every corner that compelled me to give the decision a second thought. Since they still believe in me, I had no other option but to honour their faith. I want to pay back the confidence they showed to me," said Mahmud explaining his reasons for carrying on.
The 32-year-old called it quits on Monday after the national selectors not only sacked him as captain but also dropped him from the 16-man Test squad for Zimbabwe. The gutsy all-rounder however was picked for the five-match one-day series against the southern African nation.
But ever since Mahmud, who led the Tigers in three series, sent a letter to Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Ali Asghar expressing his desire to quit the international scene, he had to endure another battle that no other former cricketer experienced in the past.
While there were mixed reactions in the media regarding his retirement decision, the Board was
KHALED MAHMUD
adamant not to let him leave.
"Yes, like other people in the Board I've also requested him (Mahmud) to change his retirement decision. I believe he has still a lot of cricket left in him and can contribute greatly in the one-day version of the game," said chair- man of development committee Arafat Rahman to The Daily Star Sport last night.
Arafat, the youngest son of Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, however ruled out the notion that the Board virtually pressed Mahmud to revert his decision.
"You can not force someone to change his decision. What we have done is we persuaded him to play on because we believe, for the national interest he should not quit," said an otherwise press shy Arafat.
The influential advisor of the Board also brushed aside the idea that Mahmud's change of heart following requests from all quartets would demean his reputation as a man of word.
"Why should it be? There are instances of cricketers like Imran Khan and Wasim Akram coming out from retirement to play for their nation. Mahmud may not be a player of that calibre but he is still good enough for us who can contribute in the one-day game," observed Arafat.
While Arafat showed that he has got the great skill of convincing people, cricket committee chairman Mahbubul Anam urged the media not to put pressure on Mahmud, who has already gone through a lot.
"We made an earnest request and Mahmud has agreed to withdrew his resignation. We think he has left with a number of years as a player to contribute in our cricket," said Mahbub while confirming the latest development just after a press briefing in connection with the ICC Under-19 World Cup that will be held in Bangladesh from February 15.
But Mahbub was reluctant to talk about the frenzied activities that took place since the team was announced and Mahmud resigned on Monday.
"I will request everybody not to embarrass him any more. Since he has agreed to play and contributed so much to Bangladesh cricket, he should be encouraged to do so in the days to come."