The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has appointed Mohammad Salahuddin as the senior assistant coach of the Bangladesh men’s cricket team. Salahuddin’s contract will run until March 15, 2024, aligning with the tenure of head coach Phil Simmons.
Salahuddin’s first assignment is expected to be Bangladesh’s tour of the West Indies, commencing with a four-day warm-up match in Antigua. He previously served as Bangladesh’s assistant and fielding coach under Dav Whatmore and Jamie Siddons. From 2010 to 2011, he worked as a specialist coach in the BCB’s national cricket academy before becoming Singapore’s head coach in 2014. Salahuddin holds an ACC-Cricket Australia Level 3 accreditation.
Despite being widely regarded as one of the foremost cricketing voices in Bangladesh, Salahuddin has had a contentious relationship with the BCB in recent years. In 2017, he was appointed as a batting consultant, but the decision was reversed at the last minute. He has often criticized the board’s stance on pitches and selection.
However, Salahuddin is highly respected by most players in Bangladesh. He played a pivotal role in the development of Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal during their formative years. He has also been influential in the growth of current cricketers like Jaker Ali and Mahidul Islam Ankon.
BCB president Faruque Ahmed expressed his confidence in Salahuddin’s abilities. “Salahuddin brings with him a wealth of experience, pedigree, and knowledge, making him the ideal candidate for this role,” Ahmed said. “I firmly believe it is time to integrate more capable Bangladeshi coaches into the system.”
Salahuddin’s appointment is a significant step towards the BCB’s goal of promoting local coaches. It is expected that he will play a crucial role in the development and success of the Bangladesh men’s cricket team.
