Former Pakistan pacer Umar Gul has been appointed as Bangladesh’s new bowling coach for their upcoming T20I series in Pakistan, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed. Gul, 42, will start his role during the five-match T20I series in May, in a short-term contract aimed at strengthening Bangladesh’s fast-bowling department.
The BCB has offered him an initial three-month contract, with the possibility of an extension through to the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, depending on mutual satisfaction after the series. Gul expressed excitement about the opportunity, saying, “It’s an exciting offer, and I look forward to it,” although the final terms are still being discussed.
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Gul, who was instrumental in Pakistan’s 2009 T20 World Cup victory, is one of the country’s most successful bowlers, with 163 wickets in Tests, 179 in ODIs, and 85 in T20Is. Since retiring, Gul has transitioned into coaching, having worked with Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He was also recently seen training Karachi Kings’ player Abbas Afridi.
Bangladesh’s current fast-bowling contingent includes Naheed Rana, who regularly bowls over 150 KPH, along with Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Shakib, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, and Khalid Hasan. Gul’s experience will be crucial for their preparation for the Asia Cup 2025 and T20 World Cup 2026. He follows in the footsteps of former Pakistani cricketer Younis Khan, who recently took on a mentor role with Afghanistan’s team.
The Bangladesh tour to Pakistan was initially scheduled to feature three ODIs and three T20Is as part of the Future Tours Programme (FTP), but both boards agreed to modify the series to five T20Is in line with upcoming white-ball tournaments. The series will take place in May, with the dates and venues to be announced.
