Franchise confirms Akhtar’s appointment via official social media
Shoaib Akhtar, one of cricket’s most iconic fast bowlers, has been officially named the mentor of Dhaka Capitals for the upcoming season of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). The franchise confirmed the news through its official social media channels, marking a significant addition to their support staff ahead of the December start.
Akhtar, who tormented batters with his express pace throughout the late 1990s and 2000s, will now offer his experience and insight to a Dhaka Capitals side aiming for a fresh charge this season. This is only the second time the former Pakistan speedster has taken on such a role, following a brief mentoring stint with Lahore Qalandars in 2017.
A high-profile post-retirement step for Akhtar
While Akhtar has remained a prominent voice in the cricketing world through television appearances and a widely followed YouTube channel, he has rarely stepped into formal coaching or mentoring roles since retiring. He had previously expressed interest in coaching positions with Pakistan’s domestic sides, the national team, and even the Indian Premier League’s Kolkata Knight Riders—but none of those opportunities materialized.
Now, with Dhaka Capitals bringing him on board, Akhtar steps into a more direct role in shaping a professional T20 team’s on-field strategy and dressing room culture.
Dhaka Capitals’ strategy signals big ambition
The Capitals, who debuted in the BPL last season and previously hired Saeed Ajmal as their mentor, are continuing their trend of tapping into Pakistan’s cricketing legacy. The appointment of Shoaib Akhtar suggests a clear intent to bring intensity and high-level experience into the squad’s preparation.
The franchise has also made early moves in the player market, signing key names including Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed, batter Saif Hassan, and overseas stars Alex Hales and Usman Khan.
While the fate of the BPPL remains uncertain, with Shoaib Akhtar now part of the setup, Dhaka Capitals are signaling they are serious about chasing a title.
