Former Bangladesh captain Khaled Mahmud Sujon has raised questions about the role of senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin now that Mohammad Ashraful has taken over as batting coach. With six coaches currently in the national team’s dressing room, Sujon is seeking clarity on responsibilities and advises the coaching staff and captain to trust their own decisions ahead of the World Cup. He does not believe any groupings exist within the team.
Speaking to the media, Sujon said the head coach, Phil Simmons, oversees planning and all departmental work. “In spin we have Mushtaq Ahmed, in pace Shot Tate, and James Payment manages fielding. After repeated failures, the BCB gave the batting coach’s responsibility to Ashraful. Salahuddin, after temporarily stepping back in frustration, has returned. But the real question is what his role in the team actually is,” he explained.
Sujon questioned the need for six coaches and emphasised the importance of defining Salahuddin’s role. “Simmons, as head coach, works like an umbrella, planning and coordinating. Salahuddin may assist him in certain areas. Ashraful handles batting, Shot Tate manages bowling. Knowing exactly what Salahuddin’s duties are is crucial.”
There have been criticisms of Salahuddin over alleged over-intervention, giving repeated opportunities to out-of-form Zakir, and creating perceived groups within the team. Sujon rejected these claims, pointing out that the head coach should be held accountable. “Salahuddin is not the decision-maker. He is not the head coach. He has responsibilities, but they come after Simmons. Yet he is being blamed and taking the faults. That is unfair. Zakir is a good player; he was under pressure and could not score. Adding extra pressure was wrong. He should not have been overplayed in the home series,” Sujon said.
With no international series before the World Cup, the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) will be critical for preparation. Sujon stressed the importance of proper practice conditions. “ICC wickets are batting-friendly. Playing on similar wickets in the BPL allows players to prepare effectively,” he added.
