Salahuddin Looks Beyond the Asia Cup: “This Is Not the End”

Bangladesh’s assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin has emphasized that the team’s current preparation camp is not just about the upcoming Asia Cup, but also about building a stronger foundation for the future. Speaking at a press conference in Sylhet on Sunday, Salahuddin underlined the importance of long-term player development, both mentally and technically.

“The Asia Cup is not the end,” Salahuddin said. “We know we have to play well, but improvement is not confined to one tournament. Players have room to raise their standards every single day.”

For Bangladesh cricket, extended preparation camps are rare. This time, the squad has spent three consecutive weeks training at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. According to Salahuddin, the opportunity has been invaluable. “We’ve worked on fitness, fielding, and batting. Normally, we don’t get this much time. This camp has allowed us to focus on individual skills, which is very positive,” he noted.

More Than Skills: The Mental Side

Salahuddin stressed that skill alone does not define success in international cricket. Highlighting Mustafizur Rahman’s evolution, he said, “Mustafiz now bowls according to conditions and adjusts his length depending on the batter. The maturity to win matches through small decisions is what makes him a top-class bowler.”

This, he argued, reflects a generational shift in the team’s approach: “The boys are not only focusing on playing but also on managing themselves. Without this maturity, it is very difficult to survive in international cricket.”

A Healthy Culture of Competition

The assistant coach also praised Saif Hassan’s recent all-round performances while urging balance in public and media reactions. “Don’t elevate a player to the skies after one good innings, and don’t bring him down after one bad game,” he advised.

Importantly, Salahuddin sees a cultural change in the dressing room. “Earlier, players might have wished for others to fail so they could get a chance. Now, they want to earn their spot through their own performance. That’s a very positive sign.”

This mindset, he believes, has fostered “healthy competition” within the squad—something crucial for long-term growth.

Building for the Next Generation

Looking ahead, Salahuddin emphasized the need to prepare the next line of cricketers. “The five or so senior players who have given so much to the country won’t play forever. Unless the next generation becomes better, our cricket won’t progress. Our job is to prepare them for that.”

Concluding with a forward-looking note, he said, “No one knows what will happen tomorrow. Our responsibility is to prepare in the best possible way today so that the future has no gaps.”