The continuous exclusion of Bangladesh batsman Mahmudullah from the national fold due to his poor performance gave their team director Khaled Mahmud a belief that the former might also be omitted in the forthcoming ICC World Cup squad as well.

Mahmudullah, who was dropped in the series against Ireland at home, last month, has also been overlooked for the next series against the same side for three one-day internationals in Chelmsford, England, starting on May 9.

The next edition of the ICC World Cup is scheduled to be held in India in October and November of this year.

Mahmudullah’s inclusion has come under scrutiny for his dismal performances over an extended period, particularly with the bat, that have featured sluggish strike-rates and a questionable approach, not to mention diminishing fielding ability at the age of 37.

It further strengthened following his below-par performances in the recently concluded three ODIs against the world champions England, where he finished with just 31, 32, and 8, which impelled the host management to opt for his replacement in the next home series against Ireland.

‘Honestly speaking, since Ryad [Mahmudullah] is not holding a place in the national set-up, I am not overseeing him in the World Cup team,’ said Khaled Mahmud on Thursday in Mirpur.

'If we would have seen Ryad in the World Cup fold, he definitely would have been in these series as well.’

‘Undeniably, Riad [Mahmudullah] is an important campaigner to us. He has been a witness to several performances in Bangladesh. He helped us secure ample games,’ he added.