Mohammad Ashraful appointed Bangladesh batting coach
Ashraful Appointed as Batting Coach
Former Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful has been appointed as the specialist batting coach for the upcoming home series against Ireland, marking his return to the national setup after several years.
The decision was confirmed following the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) board of directors meeting held on Monday.
Abdur Razzak to Serve as Team Director
Alongside Ashraful, former selector and left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak has been named the team director for the Ireland series. Razzak confirmed the appointment and praised Ashraful’s vast experience as a top-order batter.
“Ashraful has the experience — that’s a given. He has already completed the coaching courses, and mainly his experience was the key for us in this role,”
said Razzak during a media briefing at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
No Replacement for Mohammad Salahuddin
There had been speculation that Ashraful’s appointment might be linked to Bangladesh’s recent batting struggles, suggesting that senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin was being replaced.
However, Razzak clarified that Salahuddin remains a crucial part of the setup.
“Salahuddin bhai is the senior assistant coach. There wasn’t any discussion about anyone failing to do their job or being replaced. No one has been sacked,”
he added.
Short-Term Role, Potential for Extension
For now, Ashraful’s role is limited to the Ireland series, which features two Test matches and three T20Is in November. However, BCB has hinted that his stint could be extended based on the team’s performance and the success of this collaboration.
Ashraful’s Journey: From Prodigy to Coach
Born on July 7, 1984, in Dhaka, Mohammad Ashraful burst onto the scene as a teenage prodigy, becoming the youngest player to score a Test century at the age of 17 against Sri Lanka in 2001.
He later captained Bangladesh from 2007 to 2009, leading the team to several historic victories, including their first-ever World Cup win against South Africa in 2007.
However, Ashraful’s career took a downturn after he was banned for match-fixing in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) in 2013. Initially handed an eight-year ban, it was later reduced to five years (with two suspended) for cooperating with investigators and admitting guilt.
Ashraful’s Coaching Experience
Post-ban, Ashraful turned his focus to coaching. He completed formal coaching courses, mentored young domestic players, and served as a batting coach in several domestic setups, including the Global Super League and the Rangpur Riders, where he guided their batting unit on two occasions.
His blend of on-field experience and coaching certification made him an appealing choice for the BCB, especially as the team looks to strengthen its batting core.
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Bangladesh’s Upcoming Assignment
Bangladesh’s next international challenge will be a home series against Ireland, featuring a two-match Test series and three T20Is starting this November.
Team Director Abdur Razzak assured that he will oversee overall operations, ensuring smooth coordination between the coaching staff and players.
“My role will be like any other team director’s role — to observe, support, and ensure everything runs smoothly. If anyone needs help, I’ll provide it,” said Razzak.
Key Takeaway
Mohammad Ashraful’s return to the Bangladesh camp in a coaching capacity signals a new chapter in his cricketing journey — from a controversial yet gifted player to a mentor shaping the next generation of Bangladeshi batters.
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