Bangladesh players to consult psychologist

Bangladesh's senior players will have three sessions with a psychological skill development coach later this month. The BCB is also looking to hire short-term specialist coaches for all age groups to rectify specific problems in batting and spin bowling.

Bangladesh's recent poor form had prompted this move. They had won only two T20s and drawn a Test match against Sri Lanka since January, during one of their busiest and most high-profile seasons. Defeats to Afghanistan in the Asia Cup and Hong Kong in the World T20 were the low points.

BCB chief Nazmul Hassan has said that apart from speaking to prospective coaches, he has agreed to hire Ali Khan, a psychological skill development coach. He will have sessions with the Bangladesh players on April 24, 27 and 28.

"We are looking for spin and batting coaches," Hassan said. "Yesterday I gave the approval for a psychologist. Our team did well but just after losing to Afghanistan, their morale broke down. The same thing happened after losing to Hong Kong. Previously, we used to fight even after losing.

"We want to keep the head coach and the rest of the coaching staff, but at the same time we want to hire top ex-players to do some specialist camps for all ages, kids and seniors. These are in addition to the regular coaching system."

Hassan added that Saqlain Mushtaq's plan to be with the Bangladesh team only during tours was not feasible for the BCB. Saqlain, the former Pakistan offspinner, was hired for 100 days last year but he has since joined West Indies as their assistant coach, and his last stint as Bangladesh's spin consultant was during the Zimbabwe tour last year.

"It is hard to get a good coach. Saqlain Mushtaq was available but he said he wants to coach the team when they are on tour. What will he coach during a tour? He won't come to Bangladesh, which is a big problem," he said.