Veteran Bangladeshi coach Sarwar Imran has been appointed as the new head coach of the Bangladesh women’s national cricket team, replacing Hashan Tillakaratne. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed the decision as part of its initiative to promote local coaching talent in the national setup.
Imran, who previously led the Bangladesh men’s team during their historic Test debut against India in 2000, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Most recently, he served as the head coach of the Bangladesh U-19 women’s team during the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia.
Promoting Local Talent
BCB president Faruque Ahmed emphasized the board’s commitment to nurturing homegrown coaches. “When I took over, I pledged to provide opportunities for local coaches within the national setup,” Faruque said. “The appointment of Imran is a step toward fulfilling that promise. If we don’t give them responsibility, how will we know if they can perform?”
He also highlighted recent efforts to integrate local coaches into the system, citing Salahuddin Ahmed’s inclusion in the men’s national team setup. “We want to bring in more local faces in the coming days,” Faruque added.
Preparing for the Qualifiers
Under Imran’s guidance, the Bangladesh women’s team is preparing for the ICC Women’s World Cup qualifying event later this year. The team missed direct qualification for the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup after finishing sixth in the Women’s Championship table, tied on points with New Zealand but trailing due to fewer wins.
Their eight-wicket loss to West Indies in the series decider sealed their fate, forcing them to compete in the qualifiers. Bangladesh will now face West Indies, Pakistan, Ireland, Scotland, and Thailand for two spots in the main tournament, scheduled to be held in India later this year.
A Coach with a Legacy
Sarwar Imran’s appointment marks a return to prominence for the seasoned coach, whose career includes leading Bangladesh through pivotal moments in their cricketing history. His experience and leadership will be crucial as the women’s team aims to secure a spot in the World Cup and rebuild momentum.
The qualifiers represent a critical juncture for Bangladesh, and Imran’s role will be instrumental in ensuring the team performs at its best. With the BCB’s renewed focus on local talent, his appointment signals a fresh chapter for Bangladesh women’s cricket.
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