Renowned South African pace legend Allan Donald has officially announced his decision to step down as the fast-bowling coach for Bangladesh following the culmination of their World Cup 2023 campaign. Donald assumed the role in February 2022 and has been instrumental in elevating the quality of fast bowling in Bangladesh, consistently fielding at least three fast bowlers in all formats.
Speaking with ESPNcricinfo in a recent interview, Donald revealed, "During the World Cup, I was the first one to accept a contract verbally. I didn't sign a contract but I was ready to go back to Dhaka to sign the contract for a year's extension." Despite expressing initial enthusiasm for a contract extension, Donald shared that, upon reflection during the World Cup, he reconsidered due to the demanding schedule and a desire to spend more time with his family, particularly his two-year-old grandson.
Under Donald's guidance, Bangladesh has witnessed a notable surge in its fast-bowling talent, with players like Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Ebadot Hossain (currently sidelined with a knee injury), Mustafizur Rahman, and young prospect Tanzim Hasan becoming regular fixtures in the fast-bowling lineup. Despite a subpar performance in the ongoing World Cup, the growth of Bangladesh's fast-bowling contingent has been a highlight of Donald's coaching tenure.
"I am overwhelmed by how popular this fast-bowling group has become. The support for me was touching," Donald expressed. "I wish Bangladesh all the best. I will follow their progress in the coming months and years, see how they go. I have become good friends with this fast-bowling group, and not just the young quicks, who were plucked off the shelves. I am really in awe of how they have progressed and accepted a mindset in all formats that has given them something to shout about, for other teams to take note of what they have achieved, how they conduct themselves on the field."
While Donald had initially agreed to a one-year contract extension, his decision to prioritize family and acknowledge the demanding nature of the schedule highlights the personal sacrifices coaches often make in the world of international cricket.
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