Shoaib Akhtar’s arrival in Dhaka was less about nostalgia and more about intent, as the former Pakistan fast bowler made it clear that his new role is centered on changing mindsets and redefining what success looks like for fast bowlers in Bangladesh. Speaking shortly after being formally unveiled as mentor of Dhaka Capitals at a press conference, Akhtar outlined his ambitions for the franchise and the country’s next generation of pacers, following his official announcement on 20th November.
A first step into the Bangladesh Premier League
Akhtar’s association with Dhaka Capitals also marks his first hands-on involvement with the Bangladesh Premier League, a competition he has followed from afar for years. Reflecting on that journey, he said, “I’ve never been part of the BPL before, but I’ve heard that it’s doing great.”
Now on the ground in Dhaka, Akhtar framed this stint as an opportunity to share the lessons from a career built on pace, pressure, and presence. “Finally, I had the opportunity to come here and be a part of it. I want to pass on whatever I’ve learned, especially about fast bowling, motivate the players, give them a few tricks to win matches and elevate their mindset,” he explained.
Teaching more than pace: the focus on winning
For Akhtar, mentorship is not limited to technical tweaks or short-term performance gains. He stressed that his role with Dhaka Capitals is about confidence and clarity under pressure, especially in T20 cricket. “My job will be to give confidence, teach how to win matches and, through Dhaka Capitals, reconnect with the Bangladeshis, one of the most beautiful nations in the world,” he said, linking his professional goals with a personal connection to the country.
Challenging Taskin Ahmed to chase history
Akhtar’s comments quickly turned to Bangladesh’s fast-bowling resources, with a particular challenge directed at Taskin Ahmed. The former world record-holder made his stance clear when he said, “I want Taskin [Ahmed] to break my speed record.”
That challenge was framed not as pressure, but as belief in the potential of Bangladesh’s current pace group, which Akhtar sees as moving in the right direction.
Backing Bangladesh’s fast-bowling structure
While outlining his own role, Akhtar was equally emphatic about the work already being done within Bangladesh’s setup, especially under national fast-bowling coach Shaun Tait. “Shaun Tait is one of the best coaches you have when it comes to fast bowling. You don’t need me after Shaun Tait. I’ll be honest with you, I think you’re going to keep on working with him. He is one of the fantastic guys, one of the most honest people that you can have,” Akhtar said, underlining continuity rather than disruption.
Specific advice for Nahid Rana and emerging pacers
Akhtar also offered detailed guidance for Nahid Rana, focusing on physical preparation and resilience. “The advice for Nahid Rana is to keep your training level up when it comes to the muscle mass. Fast bowling is all about taking the stress on the body. And the body only can take stress if you have the muscles. And the muscle, the lean muscles, the high-repetition training. And keep the pace up and keep the attitude right up on the ninth sky,” he said.
Expanding on that theme, Akhtar grouped both Nahid and Taskin together as bowlers who already show the right signs. “I have so far seen that in Taskin. And he is looking very good, he is looking sharp, he’s looking focused. And so is Nahid Rana. I think if he keeps on going along with a great training session and when it comes to training properly… I’ll give him an advice at the same time, if I ever see him. I’ll tell him the trades and secrets of training. If he gets that, I think he will go far. But the most important is the attitude that you have towards life, and that reflects on the field.”
Looking beyond the BPL to the World Cup
Akhtar’s vision was not limited to the domestic league, with his comments also touching on Bangladesh’s ambitions on the global stage. “I hope Bangladesh become a force in the coming World Cup,” he said, before reinforcing that belief with a broader statement of confidence. “I want them to be one of the greatest forces to reckon with. This is one of the most exciting national teams, and I really hope they go far or somehow manage to climb up the ladder and win the World Cup.”
A personal connection with Bangladesh
Underlying Akhtar’s professional objectives was a strong emotional attachment to the country, which he acknowledged openly at the press conference. “I love this country. I’ve wanted to come to Bangladesh for a long time but couldn’t manage it. Everyone knows how much I love Bangladesh, and I’ve seen throughout my life how much Bangladesh loves me in return. Thank you very much, I’m truly happy to be here,” he said.
With the Bangladesh Premier League set to begin later this month, Akhtar’s mentorship adds both star power and sharp intent to Dhaka Capitals’ campaign, placing winning mentality and fast-bowling excellence at the center of the franchise’s plans.
