Former Pakistani bowler Umar Gul is set to become the bowling coach for the Bangladesh cricket team during their upcoming tour of Pakistan, where they’ll play five T20 matches in May. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has offered the 42-year-old Gul a two-and-a-half-year contract, hoping to develop their new fast bowlers for international play. Gul shared with Telecom Asia Sport that he’s excited about the offer but that some details still need to be finalized.
Gul had an impressive career, taking 163 Test, 179 ODI, and 85 T20I wickets. He was key to Pakistan’s win in the T20 World Cup in 2009, especially noted for his five wickets in the semifinal against New Zealand. He’s previously worked as a bowling coach for both Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League.
Bangladesh boasts a promising group of young fast bowlers, including Naheed Rana, who can bowl as fast as 150 KPH. Other talents like Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Shakib, Mustafiz-ur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, and Khalid Hasan will benefit from Gul’s coaching. Hasan and Nahid led the attack well last year when Bangladesh managed a 2-0 series win against Pakistan.
While Gul’s appointment as Bangladesh’s bowling coach has generated excitement, it has caused concern in Pakistan’s cricket community. Many feel that Pakistan’s bowlers are not getting the coaching they need, especially after some tough performances, including a disappointing showing in the 2025 T20 World Cup and a series of losses to New Zealand. There’s a growing sentiment that while Pakistan struggles, its former coaches are being recruited by other teams, as seen with former leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed, who is now working with Bangladesh.