Bangladesh Enlists Julian Wood as Power Hitting Coach for Asia Cup Preparations

DHAKA: To bolster the national team’s batting performance, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has recruited Julian Wood, a well-known power hitting coach. Wood’s expertise will be utilized ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to commence on September 9 in the UAE.

The BCB formally announced Wood’s appointment, confirming that he is expected to join the squad in August. He will dedicate three weeks to working with the players during their preparatory camp at Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, beginning August 6.

The aim of bringing in Wood is to elevate Bangladesh’s prowess in white-ball cricket. This will be achieved by refining the players’ power-hitting techniques and expanding their range of shots.

This brief engagement is designed as a preparatory phase for both the Asia Cup and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with the Asia Cup serving as an important precursor.

The continuation of Wood’s role beyond the Asia Cup is presently uncertain.

“I am in discussions with Simmo (Phil Simmons, head coach). My understanding is that I will be there for three weeks in August. While not yet definitive, it appears highly probable,” Wood stated.

“Yes, I will be arriving in Dhaka in August, leading up to the Asia Cup. What happens after the Asia Cup is contingent on the BCB’s decisions, I believe,” Wood added.

This assignment is not Wood’s introduction to Bangladesh. He has previously collaborated with local cricketers during his time with the Chattogram Challengers in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

Addressing his new position and its inherent challenges, Wood commented, “I believe the crucial aspect is that there is a wealth of talent present. They have consistently possessed talent. Now, in white-ball cricket, striking the ball powerfully is a significant component of the game.

“My responsibility will involve imparting knowledge, with the primary focus on how to effectively utilize their power, how to generate it, and how to employ that power more efficiently,” he concluded.