Umar Gul Engaged in Talks with BCB for Pace Bowling Coach Position
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Synopsis
Umar Gul is in discussions with the Bangladesh Cricket Board to potentially take on the role of pace bowling coach for the national team. The BCB seeks a replacement for Andre Adams due to performance issues, with Gul being a strong candidate based on his coaching experience.
Key Takeaways
- Umar Gul is in talks to become BCB's pace bowling coach.
- Replacement for Andre Adams due to performance concerns.
- Gul has extensive coaching experience post-retirement.
- Other candidates include Shaun Tait and Allan Donald.
- BCB has extended Phil Simmons’ contract until 2027.
New Delhi, April 8 (NationPress) Former Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul is currently engaged in discussions with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) regarding a potential role as the national team’s pace bowling coach.
The BCB is on the lookout for a new pace bowling coach to succeed Andre Adams, whose two-year contract is set to expire in February 2026. However, a senior BCB official mentioned that Adams, who will manage the fast bowlers during the upcoming two-match Test series against Zimbabwe, is unlikely to fulfill his contract due to mounting dissatisfaction within the team regarding his coaching effectiveness. This situation has led the board to seek a replacement.
"We are in discussions, but nothing is finalized yet. The confirmation is contingent on mutual understanding and the terms to be negotiated, which are dependent on the board," Cricbuzz quoted Gul as stating.
Since his retirement from international cricket in 2020, Gul has established a commendable coaching career. He participated in 47 Tests, 130 ODIs, and 60 T20Is for Pakistan from 2003 to 2016. Following his playing career, he has taken up coaching positions with the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Afghanistan’s national team, and later served as Pakistan’s fast-bowling coach.
Alongside Gul, other candidates reportedly being considered for the position include former Australian pacer Shaun Tait, as well as previous Bangladesh bowling coaches Allan Donald and Ottis Gibson.
In related news, the BCB has extended Phil Simmons’ coaching contract through to the 2027 ICC World Cup. The board has also confirmed the reappointment of Mohammad Salahuddin as senior assistant coach.
"The verbal agreement with Salahuddin bhai has been finalized. The formalities may be completed during the upcoming board meeting. The announcement was supposed to be made then, but unforeseen circumstances caused a delay," a BCB official stated.
Salahuddin, a respected figure in Bangladesh cricket coaching, previously served as senior assistant coach and later took on the role of batting coach. He is anticipated to play a vital role in Bangladesh’s preparations for their upcoming international commitments.
