Bangladesh’s new batting coach Mohammad Ashraful said he would have no issues whatsoever with senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin as he prepares to join the latter in the national set-up in the coming days.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced on Monday that Ashraful would serve as the batting coach of the national team for the upcoming Ireland series.

In recent weeks, Salahuddin — who has been overseeing the batting unit since the BCB decided to part ways with former batting coach David Hemp during the West Indies tour — came under criticism from several quarters for the batting unit’s inconsistent performances.

There had been speculation that Salahuddin would be removed once a new batting coach was appointed, but newly-appointed team director Abdur Razzak clarified that there were no issues regarding Salahuddin’s performance. He explained that Ashraful’s inclusion was intended to strengthen the coaching panel rather than replace anyone.

Ashraful, who has previously worked as a batting coach in various domestic competitions and in the Global Super League with Rangpur Riders, said he maintains a healthy relationship with Salahuddin despite rumours suggesting otherwise.

“There’s nothing like that — I don’t think any such thing happened that they made a joke about me,” Ashraful told Daily Sun, responding to rumours that Salahuddin and Phil Simmons had made light of his appointment.

“My relationship is good with everyone. I’m not like that. My relationship with Salahuddin bhai is good, and we share a good rapport,” he said.

“Salahuddin bhai worked with the national team when I was the captain, so we know each other quite well and share a healthy relationship,” he added.

Ashraful said he was delighted to have the opportunity to work with the national team once again.

“Alhamdulillah, I had actually been planning for the last two years that after leaving cricket, I want to stay on the field and move into coaching. I want to share my experience wherever I work. So, since I have got an opportunity — because I have experience working for two seasons in the Global Super League with Rangpur Riders,” said Ashraful.

“Then I worked one year in the BPL, and this year I am working in the NCL. So, I have actually played with everyone who is now in the national team — whether in international or domestic matches — I have experience working with everyone. So, it feels good; I am actually very happy that I will enter the Bangladesh dressing room again. Since I was in that dressing room as a player for 13 years and played under many coaches, I have seen a lot. So now that’s what I will share with our players,” he said.

“I became successful in my life, why I wasn’t successful, how I became so consistent — in this game, you actually have to be mentally stronger than technically. Those are the things I talk about with players, and that’s what I will share — like, actually when you are getting out, what are you thinking before you get out, and all those things,” he added.

“If you can have a clear mind about those things, then your batting and performance become easier. Those are the things I will work on,” he concluded.