Former Bangladesh Womens Team Coach Questions Fitness and Discipline Standards

New Delhi, November 11 (Daily Kiran) : Sarwar Imam, the former head coach of the Bangladesh women’s cricket team, has raised serious concerns regarding the team’s fitness levels and training culture. He claims that his attempts to push players out of their comfort zones and instill greater discipline led to his departure from the position.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) terminated Sarwar’s contract following the Asian Games in October, subsequently appointing David Hemp as his replacement. Reports indicate that some senior players had lodged complaints with the BCB against Sarwar, questioning his coaching methods.

After the team’s disappointing exit from the Asian Games, Sarwar mentioned unrest in the dressing room, prompting the board to consider issuing him a show-cause notice. Ultimately, the BCB decided against this action, taking into account his long-standing association with Bangladesh cricket.

Sarwar stated that the board never sought clarification from him before making their decision. He said, “After the Asian Games and the Asia Cup, the BCB did not communicate with me. I received a letter saying I would not be going on the tour to Australia because another coach would take my place. That was the extent of my communication with the BCB.”

He reflected on his experience with the team, noting that the coaching environment had become overly accommodating, leaving little room for improvement. “When I joined the women’s team, I noticed that the bowling coach, spin bowling coach, batting coach, trainer, and physio were all very lenient. They listened to every request from the players, and by remaining in this comfort zone, they cannot improve. That’s why our team is still the same as it was five years ago,” he explained.

Sarwar observed that players would often refuse to bowl after just 30 deliveries, and coaches would comply. He felt compelled to intervene, particularly regarding fitness issues. “When I needed to reprimand them, I did so. If you say that is anger, I don’t believe Bangladesh cricket can improve that way. I thought I could help them, but everything ended after just one or two failed tours,” he added.

He dismissed claims that his coaching style reflected an inability to manage his anger. Sarwar emphasized that professional responsibilities often necessitate tough decisions. “I have my own dignity and know what I can do. I don’t work for show. I have no issues and feel no reason to believe my respect has diminished because I know my job. If someone says I am angry, that’s incorrect. I may feel anger in life, but when I coach, I am not angry because I am a professional and know what to do. A coach cannot be a friend to a player; if I am a friend, I cannot remove them from the team. I am a coach, not their friend.”

He further alleged that members of the coaching staff prioritized keeping players comfortable. “I believe that whoever worked with them adjusted to their needs, but if women cricketers remain in their comfort zones, they will not improve. I think foreign coaches have done the same. I believe a coach secures their position by doing so,” Sarwar remarked.

Fitness remains a significant concern for Sarwar, who claimed that a large portion of the national team’s first-choice players fall short of international standards. “I can tell you that more than half of the first eleven players do not meet the required fitness levels. Most are below average, while some are mediocre, and a few have good fitness. We cannot become world champions by bowling just 30 balls,” he asserted.

He also noted that some players were closer to the captain than others, indicating a divide within the team.