Hannan Sarkar appointed Bangladesh U-19 head coach

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has appointed former national opener Hannan Sarkar as the head coach of the Under-19 team. Hannan replaces World Cup-winning coach Naved Newaz, who will transition into a broader role with the Under-23 programme while also serving as a coach educator.

Newaz led Bangladesh to its maiden ICC title when they won the Under-19 World Cup in 2020.

"We have appointed Hannan Sarkar as Under-19 head coach while Naveed will work with us in the Under-23 program," BCB Game Development Committee chairman Faim Sinha said on Monday.

Hannan stepped down from the national selection panel to pursue coaching full-time. The former batter said his desire to coach was rekindled after the BCB began prioritising local coaches.

"My dream of coaching existed long before this opportunity. After retiring in 2011, I coached in the Premier League and National League. Then I moved into selection. After a nine-year journey as a selector, when the board started promoting local coaches, my dream was revived," Hannan said.

"Coaching the Under-17 team was a good move. The board now trusting me with the Under-19 team is a reflection of that. It is a very big platform."

Hannan indicated a preference for widening opportunities rather than selecting players for multiple Under-19 World Cups.

"Personally, I prefer giving opportunities to new players once someone has already received significant exposure. Promoting a new player often seems the wiser approach."

He stressed player development remains the primary objective.

"Our main focus will be developing players. We want five, seven, or even ten of these players to become cricketers capable of representing Bangladesh. Results matter, but the focus will be on maintaining the process required to develop quality players."

Hannan has informed associates he is unlikely to take domestic coaching roles due to potential conflicts of interest.

His support staff includes Mohammad Selim (fielding coach), Dollar Mahmud (pace bowling coach), Saifuddin Ahmed (physiotherapist), Morshed Hasan Caesar (trainer) and Sandeep Kumar Raman (performance analyst). Mahmudullah will serve as mentor.

BCB launches Analytics Laboratory

The BCB announced the launch of an Analytics Laboratory to transform player development through data, technology and artificial intelligence.

Performance analyst Sandeep Kumar Raman will lead the project. The lab will initially be established at the indoor facility of the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium before expanding to divisional centres.

The centre will maintain a comprehensive video database of players from Under-14 level to the National Team. The facility will support bowling action correction, batting and bowling technique enhancement, skills development and fitness monitoring.