The first phase of the Bangladesh Cricket Board High Performance unit camp began at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium Wednesday under the guidance of newly appointed head coach David Hemp and amid logistical limitations.
BCB HP unit chairman Naimur Rahman Dujoy while speaking to the media highlighted the limitations he has faced over the years, but still kept focus on bringing the best output.
“I have not been able to get the best facilities given that there are challenges infrastructure-wise, like grounds, indoor facilities and gym. We have to struggle a lot during monsoon,” said BCB director Naimur.
“We have to have the HP camp during rainy season as rest of the year the cricketers are busy with domestic leagues. We simply do not have the window to have the HP camp in any other time of the year. We have no option but during the rain to have an uninterrupted camp, we are in great need of developing the infrastructure particularly the indoor facilities,” the former Bangladesh captain added.
The month-long HP camp will operate in three phases.
The first eight days, the camp will work on fitness and then have skill training sessions in Rajshahi and Bogra.
Head coach Hemp, a former Bermuda international cricketer, said the main focus of HP unit is to prepare players for the Bangladesh national team.
“It is a really important role in terms of the development of players in the Bangladesh cricket community. We are trying to help players achieve their goal, which is, in essence, to play for the Bangladesh national side. We provide that platform where players can learn and grow, and step up into that next group – the A team,” said Hemp.
“From that, they can go into the main national side. How do we measure it? I think success will be around how many players we transition through this program into the next program above. Important thing is that they stay within those teams and don't drop off. We want to make sure that Bangladesh cricket is stronger and stronger, because there's more depth of players to choose from, because of this program,” he added.
HP squad
Batters: Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Shamim Hossain, Shahadat Hossain, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Aich Mollah, Amit Hasan, Prantik Nabil, Abdullah al Mamun
Spinners: Rakibul Hasan, Hasan Murad, Rishad Hossain, Aridul Islam, Naeem Ahmed, Tipu Sultan, Naim Hossain
Pace bowlers: Nahid Rana, Ashiqur Zaman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mohammad Musfik Hasan, Ripon Mondol, Mrittunjoy Chowdhury, Asadullah Galib
Wicket-keepers: Akbar Ali, Pritom Kumar