Umar Gul to Become Bangladesh's Bowling Coach
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Synopsis
Umar Gul, the former Pakistan bowler, is set to be the new bowling coach for Bangladesh, starting with their tour to Pakistan for five T20 matches in May. His 30-month contract aims to develop the next generation of fast bowlers.
Key Takeaways
- Umar Gul to coach Bangladesh's bowlers.
- 30-month contract with BCB for player development.
- Initial three-month period, potential extension until 2027.
- Gul's experience includes coaching roles with Afghanistan and Pakistan.
- Bangladesh boasts a strong group of young fast bowlers.
Mumbai, April 6 (NationPress) Former Pakistan cricketer Umar Gul is poised to assume the role of bowling coach for the Bangladesh cricket team, beginning with their forthcoming tour of Pakistan for five T20 matches in May.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has extended a 30-month contract to the 42-year-old Gul, aiming to develop their emerging fast bowlers for the international stage.
Although the initial contract is set for three months, it is anticipated to be prolonged until the 2027 World Cup if both parties are satisfied after the T20I series in Pakistan.
Gul confirmed to Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net) regarding the offer and stated that the contract details remain to be finalized.
“This is an exhilarating opportunity, and I am looking forward to it,” Gul remarked.
Gul gained recognition as a premier bowler, accumulating 163 Test, 179 ODI, and 85 T20I wickets throughout his career. He significantly contributed to Pakistan's T20 World Cup victory in 2009, taking five wickets in the semifinal against New Zealand.
Previously, Gul has served as the bowling coach for both Afghanistan and Pakistan, in addition to his role with the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League.
Bangladesh boasts a promising lineup of fast bowlers, including the thrilling talent Naheed Rana, who regularly delivers at 150 KPH. Other bowlers like Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Shakib, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, and Khalid Hasan are also expected to gain from Gul's expertise.
Last year, Hasan and Naheed led Bangladesh's bowling attack when they achieved a 2-0 series whitewash against the home team in Pakistan.
Bangladesh is slated to tour Pakistan for five T20Is this May, with Gul likely to be in the opposing camp.
The announcement of Umar Gul as Bangladesh's bowling coach has sparked discontent in Pakistani cricket circles, especially in light of their recent setbacks in white-ball cricket. Pakistan struggled during the 2025 T20 World Cup, failing to win a single match in the 2025 Champions Trophy and suffering a 1-4 loss to New Zealand in the T20I series and a 0-3 defeat in ODIs.
There is a prevailing sentiment that while Pakistan's bowlers are in need of effective coaching and guidance, their experts are being hired by other nations.
Former Pakistan leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed is also a regular spin bowling coach for Bangladesh.
