Ashraful appointed as Bangladesh's batting coach

Former Bangladesh player Mohammad Ashraful has been appointed as the national batting coach ahead of the upcoming home series against Ireland.

Ashraful will replace Mohammad Salahuddin, the senior assistant coach, who has been overseeing the batting unit ever since BCB decided to part ways with David Hemp. Ashraful will make a return to the national dressing room for the first time since getting banned in 2014 for match fixing issues in BPL.

Ashraful worked as batting coach in different capacities in the domestic circuit as well as in the Global Super League, where he guided the Rangpur Riders batting unit on two occasions. Meanwhile, former left-arm spinner and current board director Abdur Razzak will act as team director of the national team for the upcoming home series against Ireland, who are scheduled to play a two-match Test series alongside three T20Is from November.

"Ashraful has the experience - that's a given. He has already completed the coaching courses, and mainly his experience was the key for us in this role," Razzak told reporters a press conference at Mirpur Sher-e Bangla National Cricket Stadium following the board meeting at SBNS.

Razzak added that senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin will be fulfilling the role of senior assistant coach. "Salahuddin bhai is the senior assistant coach. There wasn't any discussion about anyone failing to do their job or anything like that. And no one has been sacked from their post," he said before clearing his position

"My role will be like any other team director's role. I will observe, keep an eye on things, and if anyone needs any help, I'll provide it. If they need anything, I'll try to help," he added.

More to follow...