Umar Gul has confirmed he is in discussions with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) regarding a possible appointment as the national team’s pace bowling coach, amid indications that incumbent Andre Adams may not complete his contract.
The 41-year-old confirmed the development to a local sports outlet on April 7 but stressed that the discussions are still at a preliminary stage.
“We are in talks, but nothing is confirmed yet,” Gul said. “The confirmation depends on mutual understanding and terms and conditions, and that is dependent on the board.”
The BCB is currently considering alternatives to Andre Adams, who was appointed on a two-year deal set to expire in February 2026. A senior BCB official indicated that Adams is unlikely to remain in his position for the full term due to concerns over performance.
He is, however, expected to oversee Bangladesh’s fast bowlers during the upcoming home Test series against Zimbabwe.
Gul, who played 47 Tests, 130 ODIs, and 60 T20Is for Pakistan between 2003 and 2016, retired from international cricket in 2020 and has since taken up coaching assignments.
His experience includes roles with Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League, Afghanistan’s national team, and most recently as Pakistan’s fast-bowling coach.
Other candidates under consideration reportedly include former Australia fast bowler Shaun Tait, along with ex-Bangladesh bowling coaches Allan Donald and Ottis Gibson.
In another development, the BCB has extended head coach Phil Simmons’ contract until the 2027 ICC World Cup. The board has also reappointed senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin, with a verbal agreement reportedly reached ahead of formal contract completion.
“The verbal agreement with Salahuddin bhai has been finalized,” a BCB official said. “The formalities might be completed during the board meeting. The announcement was supposed to be made then, but due to unforeseen reasons, it got postponed.”
Salahuddin is expected to continue contributing to Bangladesh’s technical setup ahead of their packed international calendar.
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