Mahmudullah clarifies controversy over viral investment video

Bangladesh cricket all-rounder Mahmudullah Riyad has clarified his position over a controversial video promoting a business project linked to UAE-based company Zamzam Brothers, saying he had no prior knowledge of the project and no business or financial involvement in it.

In a statement on (October 20) posted on his verified Facebook account, Mahmudullah said he first met representatives of Zamzam Brothers at Sharjah Cricket Stadium a few days ago. Later, during a visit to their office at their invitation, they asked him to record a video about a new business project.

The controversy emerged after journalist Zulkarnain Saer raised concerns in a Facebook post about a former Bangladesh national cricketer promoting investment linked to Vanuatu citizenship. The post also questioned the legality of transferring investment funds abroad.

Mahmudullah said he requested Zamzam Brothers to remove the video, and it was taken down from all their social media platforms within hours.

“I have always tried to avoid controversy in both my personal and professional life,” he said, expressing regret and apologising to anyone who had been hurt or misled by the unintended incident.

He also pledged to be more careful about such matters in the future, thanking his supporters for their understanding.

-AH