Umar Gul Joins Bangladesh as Bowling Coach for Pakistan Tour

Former Pakistan pacer Umar Gul has been appointed as the bowling coach for the Bangladesh cricket team during their upcoming T20I series in Pakistan. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed this appointment, marking a significant addition to their coaching staff.

Gul, aged 42, will start his role with Bangladesh during the five-match T20I series scheduled for May. This short-term engagement is part of an initial three-month contract, with potential extension based on mutual agreement. Discussions regarding the final terms are ongoing, but Gul has expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity.

During his playing career, Gul was instrumental in Pakistan's 2009 T20 World Cup victory, notably achieving figures of 5 wickets for 6 runs in the semifinal against New Zealand. His international record is phenomenal, having 163 Test wickets, 179 ODI wickets, and 85 T20I wickets.

Gul has ample experience in coaching already. He served as the bowling coach for Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and held coaching positions with both the Pakistan and Afghanistan national teams. Notably, he was appointed as Afghanistan's bowling coach in May 2022, bringing his expertise to their national side.

Bangladesh's current pace attack features bowlers like Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Shakib, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, and Khalid Hasan. Gul's appointment will help boost their performance ahead of major tournaments, such as the Asia Cup 2025 and the T20 World Cup 2026.

The Bangladesh tour to Pakistan was initially planned to include three ODIs and three T20Is. However, both cricket boards have agreed to a revised schedule featuring five T20Is, aligning with preparations for forthcoming white-ball competitions. Specific dates and venues for the series are yet to be announced.