Hasan Mahmud recalled by Bangladesh as Kent chase promotion

Kent will finish their County Championship promotion campaign without Hasan Mahmud after the Bangladesh Cricket Board recalled the fast-medium bowler. The club confirmed on Monday that he would return home ahead of Bangladesh's winter international schedule, ruling him out of selection for the final two weeks of the competition.

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The decision comes with Kent third in Division Two, two points behind second-placed Northamptonshire, according to BBC Sport. Their remaining fixtures are both at home against the division's bottom two teams, Lancashire and Gloucestershire. Mahmud's departure therefore removes a bowling option with Kent still pursuing promotion and only two matches left to play.

Kent's announcement credited Mahmud with 30 wickets in seven appearances across the County Championship and T20 Blast this season. That total covers both competitions, rather than Championship cricket alone. BBC Sport reported that the 26-year-old has played 16 Tests for Bangladesh and took match figures of 9-111 against Australia last month.

Bangladesh's forthcoming schedule includes series against Afghanistan, West Indies and South Africa. Kent said the recall followed discussions with the Bangladesh Cricket Board, with Mahmud returning ahead of those commitments. The confirmed consequence for his county is that he will not be available for either of the two remaining Championship fixtures this season.

Director of cricket Simon Cook expressed disappointment at losing Mahmud for the closing stages but said Kent respected the board's decision after constructive discussions. In comments published by the club and reported by BBC Sport, Cook wished the bowler well for the winter and acknowledged the loss of his services.

Cook also confirmed that Kent's other overseas bowlers, Keith Dudgeon and Khaled Ahmed, remain available for the final two matches. The club thanked Mahmud for his contribution during the season and indicated that he would be welcome back, without announcing any agreement for a future return.

Kent's published fixture list has the Lancashire match scheduled for September 15-18, followed by Gloucestershire on September 24-27. Both games are listed at the St Lawrence Ground in Canterbury, where Kent will complete their campaign without the recalled Bangladesh bowler.