Pakistan's Umar Gul set to join Bangladesh as bowling coach

IANS April 7, 2025 177 views

Former Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul is set to become Bangladesh's new bowling coach, marking a significant cross-border cricket development. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has offered him a 30-month contract, initially starting with their upcoming T20I tour of Pakistan in May. Gul brings extensive international experience, including his pivotal role in Pakistan's 2009 T20 World Cup victory. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to nurture Bangladesh's emerging fast bowling talent, including promising bowlers like Naheed Rana.

"It's an exciting offer and I look forward to it" - Umar Gul
Mumbai, April 6: Former Pakistan bowler Umar Gul is set to take over as bowling coach of the Bangladesh cricket team, starting from their upcoming tour of Pakistan for five T20Is in May.

Key Points

1

Gul signs 30-month contract with Bangladesh Cricket Board

2

Targeting fast bowling talent development

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Experienced coach with World Cup winning background

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Strategic coaching move across rival cricket nations

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has offered a 30-month contract to the 42-year-old Gul with the hope of grooming their new crop of fast bowlers for international cricket.

Though initially the contract is for three months, the deal is expected to be extended till the 2027 World Cup if both parties are satisfied with the terms after the T20I series in Pakistan.

Gul confirmed to Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net) about the offer and said the terms and conditions of the contract remain to be finalised.

"It's an exciting offer and I look forward to it," Gul said..

Gul, who made a name for himself as a frontline bowler with 163 Test, 179 ODI and 85 T20I wickets in his career, played a key role in Pakistan's triumph in the T20I World Cup in 2009, grabbing five wickets in the semifinal against New Zealand.

Earlier, Gul has had stints as Afghanistan and Pakistan bowling coach in the recent past. He has also served as the Quetta Gladiators bowling coach in the Pakistan Super League.

Bangladesh has a fast-rising crop of fast bowlers with the most exciting talent in Naheed Rana, who bowls regularly at 150 KPH. Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Shakib, Mustafuz-ur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed and Khalid Hasan will also benefit from Gul.

Hasan and Nahid led Bangladesh's bowling last year when they whitewashed the home side 2-0 in Pakistan last year.

Bangladesh are due to tour Pakistan for five T20Is in May this year, with Gul likely to be in the other camp.

The news that Umar Gul is set to take over as bowling coach of Bangladesh has not gone down well in Pakistan cricket circles, especially in the light of their recent debacles in white-ball cricket, Pakistan failed to shine in the 2025 T20 World Cup, could not win a single match in the 2025 Champions Trophy and recently went down to New Zealand 1-4 in the T20I series and 0-3 in the ODIs.

The feeling gaining ground is that while Pakistan's bowlers are struggling for proper coaching and guidance, their experts are hired by other countries.

Former Pakistan leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed is a regular spin bowling coach for Bangladesh.

Reader Comments

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Sarah K.
Great move by Bangladesh! Umar Gul was a fantastic bowler and his experience will be invaluable for their young pacers. Excited to see how this develops! 💪
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Arif M.
As a Pakistani fan, this hurts. Our own coaches going to rival teams while our bowling attack struggles. PCB needs to wake up and retain talent.
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Nadia R.
I think this could be a win-win. Gul gets international coaching experience and Bangladesh gets quality guidance. Cricket should be about sharing knowledge across borders.
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Rahim H.
Respectfully, I'm not sure about this appointment. Gul's coaching record with Afghanistan wasn't spectacular. Bangladesh might have been better served looking elsewhere.
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Tasnim F.
Naheed Rana bowling 150kph under Gul's guidance? That's a scary thought for opposition batsmen! 🔥 Can't wait for the Pakistan series now.
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Faisal A.
Interesting how Bangladesh is building a coaching team with Pakistani expertise - first Mushtaq Ahmed now Umar Gul. Smart strategy to learn from neighbors who understand subcontinent conditions well.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Umar Gul Bangladesh Cricket Pakistan Cricket T20 Coaching Cricket Strategy
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