The upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, scheduled to begin on 8 May, will serve as the final assignment for Mohammad Salahuddin in his current role with the Bangladesh national team. Confirming ongoing speculation, the senior assistant coach is set to transition to a new position as head coach of the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) High Performance (HP) unit immediately after the series.
The move has been shaped by mutual agreement. While the BCB initiated the proposal, Salahuddin has also expressed the view that his immediate contributions to the national side may be limited at this stage. Instead, he considers working with emerging cricketers in the HP programme—focused on preparing future national players—to be a more appropriate and effective role. Prior to assuming his new responsibilities, he held a brief meeting with BCB president Tamim Iqbal regarding the transition.
Salahuddin was appointed as senior assistant coach of the national team in November 2024. His current contract with the BCB extends until the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Despite the change in role, the duration of his contract will remain unchanged. Following his appointment to the HP unit, the current head coach of the programme, David Hemp, will be reassigned to a different role within the board’s structure.
Explaining his decision, Salahuddin stated that players within the HP programme must be prepared not only in terms of playing ability but also in their cricketing mindset and lifestyle to meet the demands of international cricket. Drawing on his previous experience working with younger players, he indicated that he is better positioned to contribute to the development of future cricketers in this capacity. He also noted that the BCB shares this perspective.
Having worked closely with the national team for approximately one and a half years, Salahuddin has developed a clearer understanding of existing gaps within the squad and the type of players required to address them. One such identified need is for a reliable all-rounder in white-ball formats—capable of contributing with the ball and providing stability in the lower batting order, particularly in positions seven or eight. He intends to prioritise the development of such players within the HP system.
In recent years, the BCB’s player development structure has comprised Under-19, HP, Bangladesh Tigers, and the national team. However, revisions to this framework are now planned. The Bangladesh Tigers programme will be discontinued and replaced by an Under-23 দল, designed to function as a transitional step between Under-19 ক্রিকেট and the senior national side.
The following table outlines the structural changes:
| Current Structure | Revised Structure |
|---|---|
| Under-19 | Under-19 |
| High Performance (HP) | High Performance (HP) |
| Bangladesh Tigers | Under-23 |
| National Team | National Team |
Under the revised system, the HP unit will continue to serve as a key development platform. Players will progress into the programme from lower levels, while national দলের cricketers may also join for specialised training when required.
Salahuddin has also outlined his approach to the HP programme, emphasising continuity over short-term initiatives. He stated that brief training camps of three to four months are insufficient for meaningful development. Instead, HP activities will be conducted throughout the year, with the primary objective of equipping players with specific skills and knowledge that will enable them to advance successfully to higher levels of international cricket.