BCB names Mohammad Rafique as special spin bowling coach

Former Bangladesh spinner Mohammad Rafique has been appointed as the special spin bowling coach on a one-year contract, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed.

Rafique, unlike his predecessor, will take on a more permanent role overseeing the team’s spin department.

The move comes as part of BCB’s broader plan to strengthen its spin coaching resources, an area officials say has long been overlooked. While the country has a growing pool of pace bowling coaches, there remains a notable shortage of specialist spin coaches.

BCB Cricket Operations chairman Nazmul Abedeen Fahim said Rafique’s appointment is both immediate and strategic.

“Initially it’s a one-year contract. Even now, when you watch Rafique, it doesn’t feel like he’s a retired cricketer. The intent he shows on the field at this age is impressive,” Fahim said.

“He still has a lot to offer. If both junior and senior players can work with him and learn from his experience, it will be very beneficial.”

Fahim also underscored the need to build a pipeline of spin coaching talent.

“We have eight to ten pace bowling coaches, but we may not even find three specialist spin coaches in the country. That’s alarming. We need to create our own spin coaches. Rafique is a ready-made option who can deliver right away, and at the same time, we will look to develop more in the future,” he added.

Meanwhile, the board has also approved a new national selection panel led by former captain Habibul Bashar.