The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is focusing on ensuring stability in the national team's coaching panel ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, having resolved its issues with senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin, and planning to continue with Mohammad Ashraful as the batting coach.
Last month, Salahuddin submitted his resignation citing personal reasons and expressed desire to step down following the Ireland series. However, after positive discussions with BCB high-ups, he has withdrawn his resignation, confirmed BCB cricket operations chairman Nazmul Abedeen Fahim.
"He [Salahuddin] will continue his contract until it expires after the 2027 ICC World Cup," Fahim told The Daily Star on Thursday.
Fahim added that the board is satisfied with the current coaching set-up, including Ashraful, who worked as a specialised batting coach during the recent Ireland series.
"We are happy with the way it's going now. He [Ashraful] will also carry on," Fahim said.
It is understood that the BCB is considering offering Ashraful a long-term contract. Trainer Iftikhairul Islam, who stepped in after strength and conditioning coach Nathan Kiely's departure during the Asia Cup T20, is also expected to receive an extension.
Ashraful has reportedly been assigned to oversee a week-long batting camp for selected national team batters starting December 6 in Mirpur. He will work alongside head coach Phil Simmons and Salahuddin, which means he will miss his coaching duties with Barishal Division in the ongoing National Cricket League.
Ashraful, who last played for the Tigers in 2013, said he was enjoying his return to the setup in a new role.
"Alhamdulillah, we had a very good series. The team played well, and I also enjoyed doing my job very much," Ashraful told The Daily Star.
He noted that the team's culture remains intact, including the traditional winning song "Amra Korbo Joy"-- a practice revived during his captaincy.
"The culture is the same, Mashallah. The boys are also very conscious now. It existed in our time, but now they are even more aware of the need to work on fitness and skills."
Looking ahead, Ashraful believes the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), starting on December 26, will play a crucial role in preparing the players for the T20 World Cup, where Bangladesh are placed in Group C alongside West Indies, England, Nepal, and Italy.
The global event will begin on February 7, just two weeks after the BPL's conclusion.
"The BPL is a huge platform. If we can ensure good wickets -- where teams score 180 to 220 regularly --that will be excellent preparation," he said.
"If our batsmen and bowlers maintain their form, I certainly see us playing in the second round," he added.
