Umar Gul in talks with BCB for Bangladesh bowling coach role

Umar Gul, the former Pakistan bowler, is in discussion with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to be appointed as their next bowling coach. He confirmed the development around the role to Cricbuzz on April 7, Monday. Speaking to Cricbuzz, Gul said that BCB is seeking a replacement for their present Bowling coach, Andre Adams, who has a two-year contract running until February 2026.

The rumors of Umar Gul as the new bowling coach of BCB came after a senior official at BCB indicated that Adams is unlikely to continue in his role until the end of his contract due to dissatisfaction within the team over his performance. This has prompted the board to start looking for a replacement. And among those names for the replacement, Umar is also a strong contender.

“We are in talks, but nothing is confirmed yet,” Gul 

There are reports that he would be joining the Bangladesh team for a short three month role. Gul confirmed the news to a cricketing website, saying talks are ongoing about the final contract details. “It’s an exciting offer, and I look forward to it,” he said. Although the initial deal is for three months, it could be extended until the 2027 World Cup, depending on how both sides feel after the Pakistan tour.

Bangladesh has several talented fast bowlers, including Naheed Rana, who regularly clocks 150 kph. Others like Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Shakib, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, and Khalid Hasan are also expected to benefit from Gul’s experience. He would be seen taking on the experience and would likely lead Bangladesh for a five-T20I series against Pakistan.

Gul has impressive coaching career stats under his belt, he has been a key figure in coaching stints with Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Afghanistan’s national team before returning to Pakistan as their fast-bowling coach. He has also represented Pakistan in 47 Tests, 130 ODIs, and 60 T20Is between 2003 to 2016. Coming with so much experience, he could be offered the next bowling coach for BCB, but confirmation around the same is yet to be made official.

Alongside Gul, other key contenders for BCB Bowling coach replacement includes former Australian pacer Shaun Tait, along with former Bangladesh pace bowling coaches Allan Donald and Ottis Gibson.

Mohammad Salahuddin: New Assistant Coach for BCB

In addition, BCB has finalized the reappointment of senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin.”The verbal agreement with Salahuddin bhai has been finalized. The formalities might be completed during the board meeting. The announcement was supposed to be made then, but due to unforeseen reasons, it got postponed,” said a BCB official.

Salahuddin, a highly respected coach in Bangladesh cricket, earlier joined the national team as senior assistant coach and later also took up the role of batting coach. He is expected to play a key role in Bangladesh’s preparations for upcoming international assignments.