Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has made a significant move in its quest to cultivate young talent, reappointing Naveed Nawaz as the head coach of the Under-19 team. Nawaz, the mastermind behind Bangladesh's historic triumph at the 2020 ICC Under-19 World Cup in South Africa, is back for a second stint, tasked with nurturing the next generation of Tigers. Nawaz's previous tenure proved remarkably successful. He fostered a team that not only clinched the coveted World Cup title but also produced future stars like Towhid Hridoy and Shoriful Islam, who have already begun making their mark on the international stage. Given the national team's recent struggles in major ICC events, the BCB is exploring the possibility of replicating the blueprint that yielded such impressive results at the U19 level.
A crucial aspect of Nawaz's winning formula was the team's extensive preparation in foreign conditions leading up to the World Cup. This rigorous approach undoubtedly played a pivotal role in their success. When questioned about the applicability of this model to the senior team, Nawaz acknowledged its potential.
"There's certainly scope for incorporating those elements into the current planning process," the Sri Lankan coach remarked to reporters after a press conference.
However, Nawaz recognizes the challenges of implementing an identical programme due to the constraints of the ICC's Future Tours Programme (FTP). He emphasizes the importance of overseas tours and participation in franchise cricket leagues for the national team's development.
"Exposure tours and opportunities in overseas franchise leagues are avenues that have been under discussion," noted Nawaz, who returns to the Bangladesh U19 setup after a stint as assistant coach with the Sri Lankan national team.
While the 2020 World Cup victory stands as Bangladesh's crowning achievement in cricket, Nawaz remains grounded by the realities of the sport.
"Naturally, there are expectations surrounding my return, given the World Cup win," he conceded at yesterday's press conference. "But dwelling on past glories serves no purpose. Tournaments are not won solely based on past triumphs."
Instead, Nawaz prioritizes the meticulous nurturing of talent. He cites the example of leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, who, despite not making the cut for the victorious 2020 U19 World Cup squad, went on to impress at the recent ICC T20 World Cup. "We must address technical and mental shortcomings promptly, and not allow them to fester," Nawaz asserted. "This is precisely why the BCB is heavily invested in its High Performance (HP) and age-group programmes."
"Look at Rishad's journey," he continued. "While a well-functioning U19 setup is crucial, it's equally important to focus on the development of a broader pool of players."
