New Delhi, Nov 5 (NationPress) Former Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful has been named the new assistant coach for the national team, taking over from Mohammad Salahuddin, who resigned earlier this week.

Ashraful, regarded as one of Bangladesh’s most legendary cricketers, embarks on this new role nearly two years after his last domestic match, ushering in a fresh chapter in his cricketing career.

“Ashraful possesses the necessary experience – that’s undeniable. He has successfully completed coaching courses, and his vast experience was instrumental in our decision,” stated Abdur Razzak, a board member, during a press conference at the Mirpur Sher-e Bangla National Cricket Stadium following the board meeting.

The 40-year-old is celebrated for leading Bangladesh to a remarkable victory against Australia in Cardiff back in 2005, scoring a century at just 20 years old – a milestone forever remembered in the nation’s cricket legacy. Over his career, which includes 61 Tests, 177 ODIs, and 23 T20Is, Ashraful amassed 3468 ODI runs, making him the fifth-highest run-scorer for Bangladesh.

Salahuddin’s exit marks the conclusion of his short tenure as assistant coach, having joined the national team in November 2024 to aid head coach Phil Simmons. With nearly three decades of coaching experience, Salahuddin was a significant mentor for many players in the current squad.

However, a challenging series of results in 2025 – featuring T20I losses to UAE, Pakistan, and West Indies, ODI defeats against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, and Test losses to Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe – placed the management under intense scrutiny. Salahuddin addressed the criticism in July, expressing, “After coaching for 27-28 years, I am hearing there are numerous complaints against me. I would genuinely like to understand those complaints, preferably in writing.”

Ashraful’s playing career was notable for both achievement and controversy. In 2013, he faced a lengthy suspension from all activities associated with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) due to match-fixing allegations in the Bangladesh Premier League, but he returned to the game three years later.

Since then, he has gradually shifted towards coaching and recently expressed his concerns regarding Bangladesh’s struggles with top-order batting, emphasizing that the team’s openers need to provide stronger starts.

Now, he has the chance to influence the national setup positively. Bangladesh is currently gearing up to host Ireland for two Tests and three T20Is in November and December.