Mahmudullah Riyad appointed Bangladesh U-19 mentor, Hannan Sarkar named head coach
A New Chapter for Bangladesh Cricket
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially unveiled a significant overhaul to its youth coaching and mentorship framework. In a move widely praised by cricket analysts, the legendary Mahmudullah Riyad has been brought on board in a pivotal mentorship capacity. Furthermore, the board has confirmed that Mahmudullah Riyad appointed Bangladesh U-19 mentor, Hannan Sarkar named head coach, marking a strategic shift toward utilizing the expertise of seasoned veterans to groom the next generation of Tigers.
The Role of Mahmudullah Riyad
Mahmudullah Riyad, who retired from international cricket after a distinguished career, is transitioning into a developmental role. While he continues to participate in domestic cricket, his primary focus under the BCB banner will be the cultivation of future stars. It is important to note that his influence will extend beyond just the Under-19 team. The BCB has clarified that he will serve as a mentor across several development-level squads, ensuring his vast tactical knowledge is disseminated through the various tiers of the nation’s cricket structure.
As part of this expanded role, the board intends to integrate him into the High Performance (HP) Unit, particularly for their upcoming tour of Australia. This initiative highlights the board’s commitment to providing young players with exposure to elite-level guidance. Furthermore, the BCB is actively exploring the possibility of including former opening batter Imrul Kayes—who is currently residing in Australia—into the coaching setup for that specific tour to further bolster the team’s preparations.
Hannan Sarkar Takes the Helm
Complementing the mentorship of Mahmudullah, the appointment of Hannan Sarkar as the Under-19 head coach brings a blend of technical pedigree and administrative experience. Sarkar, a former national cricketer and a long-standing member of the national selection panel, brings a wealth of knowledge to the role.
Sarkar’s transition back to full-time coaching is one he has anticipated for years. Commenting on his new responsibilities, he expressed, “This has been a dream of mine for a long time. I was involved in coaching even before becoming a selector. After spending nine years in the selection panel, I now have the opportunity to dream again, especially with the board giving more opportunities to local coaches.”
Operational Dynamics and Future Outlook
The BCB has established clear guidelines for its new coaching staff to maintain professionalism and avoid conflicts of interest. Under the current board regulations, contracted coaches are permitted to work in either the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) or the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), but they are strictly prohibited from holding positions in both simultaneously. This ensures that their focus remains primarily on their national developmental duties.
Hannan Sarkar is expected to work directly with the Under-19 side during all international assignments and intensive training camps. By aligning the experience of a veteran like Mahmudullah with the tactical acumen of someone like Sarkar, the BCB is signaling a robust commitment to improving the quality of its youth pathway. For cricket fans in Bangladesh, this strategic move is a welcome sign that the board is prioritizing sustainable, long-term development to ensure the national team remains competitive on the world stage for years to come.
As the Under-19 squad prepares for its upcoming challenges, all eyes will be on how this new leadership duo implements their vision. Given the depth of experience now available to these young players, there is a renewed sense of optimism surrounding the future of Bangladesh cricket.
