Fridays in Mirpur often carry a sense of stillness, with Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium taking a brief pause from its usual rhythm. This week, however, that calm gave way to renewed energy as a host of Bangladesh’s national cricketers converged for a conditioning camp under head coach Phil Simmons
Organised by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), the camp has brought together players from Test, ODI and T20 formats, along with several emerging prospects. It appears to be part of the preparation for the upcoming home series against New Zealand.
Senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin, batting coach Mohammad Ashraful, fielding coach James Pamment and BCB coach Sohel Islam were all in attendance, alongside the physios and training staff. The early phase of the camp is focused on fitness, conditioning and fielding, with skill sessions scheduled to begin in the following days.
The New Zealand series will consist of six white-ball matches, split between Dhaka and Chattogram. The visitors are due to arrive on April 13, with the series set to begin on April 17. The three-match ODI series will start in Mirpur, where the first two games will be played, before the teams move to Chattogram for the final ODI on April 23.
The T20I series will follow, beginning on April 27. The first two matches will be held in Chattogram under lights, while the final game is scheduled in Dhaka on May 2.
With a busy international calendar ahead, selectors have decided to work with an expanded group of players, combining established national team members with standout performers from domestic competitions. The aim is to strengthen squad depth and address fitness issues after a demanding run of matches.
Among the new faces is spin-bowling all-rounder S M Meherob Hossain, who has received his maiden call-up to the national setup. Pace-bowling all-rounder Abdul Gaffar Saqlain has also been included, along with left-arm pacer Ruyel Mia, who impressed in the National Cricket League by finishing as the third-highest wicket-taker with 27 wickets.
Opener Zakir Hasan, middle-order batter Amite Hasan and pacer Musfik Hasan were also involved in the sessions, underlining the selectors’ intention to broaden the talent pool.
There were also some returns to the setup. Pace-bowling all-rounder Tanzim Hasan Sakib has rejoined after recovering from a back injury, while Test opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy is back following a hand injury that had kept him out of action.
Speaking about the camp’s objectives, Ashraful stressed the importance of focusing on fitness after a hectic schedule.
On Thursday, he said, “Players from all three formats are part of this camp, including those involved in Tests. For some time, we have not had a proper window to work on fitness,”
“It has been a continuous stretch of cricket. We had the BPL in a tight schedule, followed by the Independence Cup, then the BCL, along with the Pakistan series.”
“Now we finally have some time. The first week will be dedicated to fitness and fielding, after which we will move into skill-based training. Players from all formats will be involved, and the full coaching staff will oversee the sessions,” he added.
