Former Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful was spotted at the BCB Academy premises at the Sher-E-Bangla Stadium on Thursday, where he was busy preparing for his new role in coaching.
After being unable to return to the national team following his ban, Ashraful had previously shared with Cricpulse that he was eager to make a comeback as a coach.
Now, with his appointment as the assistant coach of Rangpur Riders for the upcoming Global Super League T20 (GSLT20) and the next edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Ashraful is taking a significant step toward that goal.
Although renowned coach Mickey Arthur is expected to join the Riders’ camp when they travel to the West Indies for the GSLT20, Ashraful, the youngest Test centurion in cricket history, seemed to be relishing the responsibility of calling the shots in Arthur’s absence.
“Alhamdulillah, feeling really good.
Actually, I wanted to stay involved with cricket after my retirement.
I was supposed to work with Rangpur Riders in last year’s BPL, but it didn’t work out.
The plan was always to start in the upcoming BPL, and fortunately, with Barishal opting out, I’m going to the Global Super League as assistant coach.
I’m feeling really good about it,” Ashraful told reporters.
With 12 years of international cricket experience and nearly 23-24 years of playing First-Class cricket, Ashraful feels well-equipped to guide the team, despite this being his first coaching assignment.
“Even though it’s my first coaching role, I believe I can help these elite players with the experience I’ve gained.
I’ve been working at the academy for the past month and a half, learning as much as I can.
I hope to learn even more from Mickey Arthur, and I’ll definitely share my experience with the players to help them,” he said.
Ashraful acknowledged that coaching is a journey, one that requires continued growth.
“Everyone has dreams about coaching, but I still have a lot to learn.
Yes, I have played at the highest level and hold a Level 3 coaching certificate, but I need to continue working hard.
This is just the start.
If the team does well, there will hopefully be more opportunities.
My goal is to join the national team after gaining experience at various levels,” he added.
Ashraful also expressed his support for the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s decision to appoint Mohammad Salahuddin as the senior assistant coach of the national team, describing it as a morale boost for local coaches aiming to progress to the national side.
“It’s definitely a good move to bring Salahuddin back.
It should have happened earlier.
Having local coaches in key positions would have been beneficial.
Salahuddin’s reappointment after 13-14 years is a great step forward.
Our players have a good relationship with him, which will help the team,” he said.
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