Coaching is gaining traction in Bangladesh cricket, with active players increasingly eager to understand the game from a different perspective. Their growing interest in coaching education is a sign of a maturing cricket culture, where understanding the game and its nuances is becoming as important as playing it.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) began a Level 1 coaching course on Saturday, bringing together current domestic cricketers, recently retired players and other members of the cricket fraternity. Former national team star Mahmudullah Riyad is among the participants, while prominent coaches Mohammad Salahuddin, Sohel Islam and Naveed Nawaz are leading the sessions.
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Photo: BCB
The BCB selected 33 participants from those who submitted their CVs, with players such as Rony Talukder and national team analyst Shaon Jahan also taking part. BCB officials said many participants were interested in pursuing coaching, while the five-day course was also designed to help players develop a better understanding of the game during their playing careers.
Fundamentals, biomechanics, planning and programming, and skill acquisition are among the key areas covered in the course.
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Photo: BCB
“This Level 1 course consists entirely of players, including current, first-class, national team, and ex-players,” coach Sohel Islam, one of the instructors, told The Daily Star on Sunday.
“Previously, they did not participate in such large groups. It is a very positive sign for Bangladesh that big players are showing interest and stepping into coaching. Along with the [playing] experience they already have, this course will help them in coaching and has the potential to be valuable for the country,” he added.
The BCB has already conducted Level 3 and Level 2 coaching courses this year.
In England, many first-class cricketers undertake Level 1 coaching courses, a practice Sohel believes can contribute to players’ personal growth and help them assist teammates.
“Not sure if it is mandatory in England, but it helps with cricketers’ personal growth and it also equips them to assist other players within their teams,” he said.
While former players moving into coaching is not a new phenomenon, the interest shown by active cricketers reflects a broader shift in Bangladesh cricket. Players are increasingly recognising the value of understanding not just how to execute a skill, but also why it works, how to develop it and how to help others improve.
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Photo: BCB
“When we came into coaching, the professionalism surrounding it currently was not there. Today, coaching is a respected and established profession worldwide. It offers a solid career path with better financial prospects than before, which naturally attracts more players to consider it,” Sohel said.
Pacer Kamrul Islam Rabbi, who was undergoing National Cricket League practice in Barishal, travelled to Mirpur to attend the course.
“In England we see this helping players to mature even during U-19 days,” Rabbi said. “It’s a BCB programme and they run them quite regularly. For me, even if I want to affiliate myself with any sector of sports, not just coaching, I need to know these things since I will be playing cricket for another three-four years. The renowned coaches of the country are taking the course and there is a lot to learn.”
For Rabbi, the course is not merely preparation for life after cricket, but an opportunity to understand the game more deeply while he is still playing.
“I want to undertake Level 2 and 3 as well. I will gradually start them and this is the first step. Since Level 1 delves into the process of developing young players step-by-step, I feel it was valuable to start the course now,” he said.
As more players embrace coaching education, the benefits could extend beyond their individual careers. A stronger understanding of technique, planning and player development can eventually enrich the next generation of cricketers, making the growing coaching culture a promising sign for the future of Bangladesh cricket.
