After years of requests to include local coaches in the Bangladesh national cricket team’s staff, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has appointed Mohammad Salahuddin as the Senior Assistant Coach. With a strong reputation in local and international cricket, Salahuddin is set to influence the next wave of players, bringing not only tactical expertise but also a broader vision to elevate Bangladesh cricket on the world stage.

Salahuddin has immediately immersed himself in his new role, working with players who are not part of the Afghanistan series squad in Mirpur. His engagement with the national team will intensify with the upcoming West Indies tour, where he’ll accompany the squad full-time. He previously served as both an Assistant and Fielding Coach for the team, helping to mold the current generation of stars like Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Tamim Iqbal. Salahuddin now sees an opportunity to foster the growth of emerging talents, aiming to prepare them to not only excel but to stand out in international cricket.

In a BCB video message, Salahuddin shared his coaching philosophy: “A coach’s job is to show them the way; the players are the ones who play. My biggest challenge is to inspire them to think and aim higher, to believe they can one day dominate world cricket. It’s about a change in mindset, not just tactics.”

Salahuddin’s focus is on motivating young cricketers to set higher goals, guiding them toward self-discovery and ambition beyond just making it to the national team. He added, “The next generation often stops dreaming after reaching the national team. My aim is to help them set bigger goals, to strive for greatness. The small but important mental adjustments in the dressing room or beyond can be pivotal. Technically, most players are sound; the real shift lies in adapting to conditions, fine-tuning skills, and mentally preparing for the next level.”

With the likes of Shakib, Tamim, and Mushfiqur marking the end of an era, Salahuddin wants to inspire the upcoming players to dream bigger and achieve even more. “The current players have a stronger mentality and greater resources than in the past. Today’s generation has more potential and a bigger support system, which opens new doors. If we can refine their thinking and shift their mindset toward a global outlook, they can become invaluable assets in world cricket,” he said.

Salahuddin’s appointment brings a renewed sense of ambition for Bangladesh cricket, and his efforts to help the next generation think bigger could lay the groundwork for international success. As he continues training in Mirpur, he prepares to work full-time with the national squad during the West Indies tour, marking the start of a new journey for Bangladesh cricket.