Cricket

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.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has appointed Najmul Hossain Shanto as the captain for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in Sharjah. The decision was made after a meeting between Shanto and BCB president Faruque Ahmed on Thursday evening, where Shanto expressed his desire to step down as Bangladesh's all-format captain.The BCB has not yet announced the squads for the subsequent tour of the West Indies, where Bangladesh will play two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is. However, Faruque has indicated that Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taskin Ahmed are the frontrunners for the captaincy role.The ODI squad for the Afghanistan series includes all three potential captains. Nahid Rana, a 22-year-old fast bowler, is the only uncapped player in the side. Rana has impressed with his pace and bounce in five Tests, taking 26 wickets at an average of 16.46 in ten List-A matches.The selectors have also recalled opener Zakir Hasan and left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed. Zakir has played only one ODI and 12 Tests, while Nasum has featured in 15 ODIs, including the 2023 World Cup in India.Anamul Haque, Taijul Islam, and Hasan Mahmud have been omitted from the squad. Mahmud is out due to a shoulder injury, while Shakib Al Hasan has voluntarily withdrawn from the series. Litton Das is also unavailable due to fever.The Bangladesh team will depart for Dubai in two groups on Saturday and Sunday. The three ODIs will be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on November 6, 9, and 11.

Bangladesh's Test woes continue as they suffer a humiliating innings-and-273-run defeat against South Africa in Chattogram. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has identified the lack of top-order partnerships as the root cause of their batting struggles.The home side was bowled out twice in a total of 89 overs, with their match aggregate of 302 runs being the lowest by any team at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. South Africa, on the other hand, posted a mammoth 575 for 6 in the first two days.Bangladesh's batting implosion was evident on the third day, as they lost 14 wickets, including Mominul Haque's two dismissals in one session. The lower order has been providing some resistance, but Shanto believes it's not enough to compensate for the top-order failures."We have been batting like this for a long time," Shanto said. "If you don't get top-order partnerships, the rest of the batters will find it difficult in red-ball cricket. This was a good wicket. Even in Mirpur, we shouldn't have got out so quickly."Shanto acknowledged his own lack of runs as a contributing factor to the top-order collapses. He has scored just one fifty in his last 17 Test innings. "I have an important role as a top-order batter. I am supposed to score runs," he said. "It is not happening, and the worst thing is, I am getting out between 20 and 40."Despite the setbacks, Shanto remains optimistic about his captaincy. "I enjoy captaincy on the field," he said. "I never felt that I am the captain when I am batting."However, he admitted that distractions around the team, such as the discussions around his captaincy and the sacking of head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe, may have contributed to their poor performance. "Players have to adjust with these things, even though it is difficult," he said. "Still, it shouldn't be this bad."

Shakib Al Hasan, the veteran all-rounder, is likely to miss the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in Sharjah, according to Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Faruque Ahmed. Shakib's absence stems from his decision to opt out of the series, coupled with an emotional toll following his inability to play his farewell Test in Dhaka against South Africa.Since the second Test in India, Shakib has been on a month-long hiatus from cricket. He is expected to participate in the Abu Dhabi T10 League for the Bangla Tigers to gain match practice before the Caribbean tour.After the Afghanistan ODIs, Bangladesh will embark on a tour of the West Indies for two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is. Shakib, who has retired from Tests and T20Is, will be available for the ODIs in the Caribbean and the subsequent Champions Trophy in February 2025."After Shakib couldn't come to play his (farewell) Test, he wasn't doing much practice," Faruque explained at a press conference. "I think he needs some time to regroup. We haven't taken a final decision but he looks unlikely to play the next series (against Afghanistan). He is likely to miss the series. He could be playing a T10 tournament soon. I feel he can still play for Bangladesh in the 50-over format. There are three ODIs against West Indies before the Champions Trophy."However, Faruque indicated that the board would consider Shakib for the remaining ODIs this season if the selectors deem his training and franchise tournament participation sufficient preparation. "Shakib has played for 17 years and he is part of the generation that plays a lot of franchise cricket. They know the drill. They play, sleep maybe a few hours and turn up for training. So he is geared for such situations.""It is the definitely the best possible thing to train with the team but we will consider him if the selection committee thinks that he can still deliver by training or playing tournaments abroad."The national selectors have yet to announce the Bangladesh squad for the ODIs against Afghanistan starting November 6. Meanwhile, Faruque stated that the decision for Shakib to skip the Dhaka Test last week originated from the government, with the BCB not involved in the decision-making process.

Bangladesh's star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has cast doubt over his participation in the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan, scheduled for November 6-12 in the United Arab Emirates. Shakib's uncertainty stems from a lack of communication from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) regarding his inclusion in the squad.Speaking to Cricbuzz, Shakib expressed his confusion, stating, "How can I tell [whether I will play the ODIs against Afghanistan]? BCB should tell about it." Despite his willingness to represent Bangladesh if selected, sources within the board have raised concerns about his frequent absences from the country.The BCB's selection panel has also acknowledged the uncertainty, confirming that they have not received clear instructions from higher authorities regarding Shakib's availability. The final decision is expected to be made by the BCB's senior officials in the coming days.Shakib's participation in the ODI series has been a subject of speculation since his retirement from Test cricket and T20 Internationals in September. The all-rounder had hoped to play his final Test match at home against South Africa, but security concerns amid political unrest in Bangladesh forced him to withdraw.Despite being accused in a murder case related to the unrest, Shakib was allowed to continue playing in the Test series against India, with the BCB permitting him to remain with the national team until proven guilty. However, his absence from the subsequent South Africa series has raised questions about his future with the Bangladesh team.The BCB's decision on Shakib's inclusion in the ODI squad will be closely watched, as it could have implications for his long-term future with the national team. The all-rounder remains one of Bangladesh's most valuable players, and his absence would be a significant blow to their chances of success in the upcoming series against Afghanistan.

Bangladesh's Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is set to relinquish his leadership role after the ongoing home series against South Africa. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had appointed Shanto as captain across all formats in February 2023, with the intention of him leading the team in the 2025 Champions Trophy. However, Shanto has informed the board of his decision to step down and is awaiting approval from BCB president Nazmul Hassan Papon."Yes, he informed us that he is not ready to lead the side after the South Africa series," a top BCB official told Cricbuzz.Shanto confirmed his decision, stating, "Let's see what happens (as far as leading Bangladesh is concerned) because I am still waiting to hear it from the president (BCB)."A senior BCB director is reportedly attempting to persuade Shanto to reconsider, but a reversal appears unlikely. Shanto had initially planned to step down as T20 captain after the 2024 T20 World Cup but later decided to quit as captain across all formats.Shanto's leadership has come under scrutiny due to a prolonged period of poor results. If he ultimately declines to continue as captain, the BCB may consider appointing Mehidy Hasan as captain for Tests and ODIs, with Towhid Hridoy likely to lead in T20s.During his tenure, Shanto led Bangladesh in nine Tests, winning three and losing six, including a historic series win over Pakistan. In ODIs, he captained in nine matches with three wins and six losses. In T20Is, he led the team in 24 games, securing 10 victories.

Bangladesh's batting woes continued in the Dhaka Test against South Africa, with the top four batsmen failing to deliver. The team's total of 105 runs in the match was their worst performance this year, highlighting the need for improvement.The collapse on the first day of the match proved costly, with only the lower order, led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, preventing an innings defeat. Mehidy's 97 in the second innings forced South Africa to bat again, but it was not enough to salvage the match.Mehidy attributed the team's struggles to poor decision-making and a lack of runs on the board. He emphasized the importance of the top order contributing to the total, as it makes life easier for the rest of the batters."We did it in Pakistan where the top four were contributing to the total," Mehidy said. "When the openers start well, it makes life easier for the rest of the batters."Mehidy also acknowledged the pressure on the bowlers when the batters fail to score. "Batters have to take more responsibility," he said. "Lack of runs on the board makes life difficult for the bowlers."Despite the team's struggles, Mehidy remains optimistic about the future. He is leading Bangladesh's batting charts in this World Test Championship cycle and is confident that the team can improve."I am mentally trying to prepare myself to score runs," he said. "I am always trying to get better."Bangladesh have four days to prepare for the Chattogram Test, where they will have one last opportunity to get a score in familiar conditions before embarking on assignments in the UAE and the West Indies.

Afghanistan has bolstered its squad for the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh with the inclusion of opening batter Sediqullah Atal and left-arm wristspinner Noor Ahmad. The 19-man squad will face Bangladesh in three ODIs from November 6 to 11 in Sharjah.Atal, who has six T20I caps, has been in impressive form at the Emerging Teams Asia Cup T20 tournament, scoring 52, 95 not out, and 83. Noor, on the other hand, returns to the squad after a stellar performance in the Caribbean Premier League, where he was named Player of the Series for his 22 wickets for the St Lucia Kings.Afghanistan Cricket Board chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil explained the squad changes: "Ibrahim Zadran is currently undergoing rehabilitation and continues to recover from the surgery he recently had. Mujeeb Ur Rahman also remains unavailable due to ongoing treatment.""However, Noor Ahmad is back in the squad, and we have included a promising top-order batter in Sediqullah Atal, who has impressed everyone with his consistent top performances."Afghanistan will use the Bangladesh series as part of its preparation for the Champions Trophy in February 2025. In their previous assignment, the three ODIs against South Africa, Afghanistan created history with their first series win against an opposition ranked in the top five of the ICC rankings.

Shakib Al Hasan's Fans Attacked Amidst Test Retirement ControversyShakib Al Hasan, the renowned Bangladeshi cricketer, has been embroiled in a controversy surrounding his retirement from Test cricket. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) initially approved his request to retire during the series against South Africa, but the Bangladesh government advised him against returning to the country due to security concerns.This decision sparked protests among Shakib's fans, who gathered outside the Mirpur cricket stadium in Dhaka. On Sunday, a group of individuals attacked the protesters with sticks, prompting the intervention of army and law enforcement personnel.The incident highlights the political tensions surrounding Shakib's retirement. In 2023, he joined the Awami League party and filed a nomination to contest in the 2024 Bangladesh general election. However, the party's leaders and supporters, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, are facing allegations of crimes committed during a recent uprising.Shakib is one of the accused in these cases, but he expressed his desire to bid farewell to cricket after the Test series against South Africa. The BCB's decision to appoint Phil Simmons as the new head coach, replacing Chandika Hathurusinghe, further complicates the situation.The controversy has raised questions about the safety of athletes in Bangladesh and the role of politics in sports. Shakib's fans remain adamant in their support, while the government and BCB face pressure to address the security concerns and ensure a fair resolution for the cricketer.