As the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025 draws near, Dhaka Capitals have already commenced their pre-season preparations. While the team benefits from the expertise of a foreign head coach, Toby Radford, the remainder of the coaching staff is entirely local.
At a recent press conference, assistant coach Mahbub Ali Jacky emphasised the pivotal role of the domestic coaching team. “Toby Radford is our sole foreign coach,” Jacky explained. “There may occasionally be foreign specialists engaged as analysts, but the backbone of our squad—physios, trainers and daily coaching personnel—are all local.”
Jacky highlighted the advantages of this approach: “Physios and trainers are the most familiar with our players’ physical condition and overall fitness. Their contribution is therefore invaluable. Additionally, our domestic staff have ample experience working with international-standard players, which is why the franchise has entrusted them with key responsibilities. This approach also allows our local coaches to develop their skills on an international scale.”
He further elaborated on the strategic preparations of the Capitals. “We maintain multiple game plans for each match. The coaching staff collaborates closely with the captain to determine which plan is best suited against a particular opponent. Typically, we have two to three strategies for each team. During matches, player positions and roles are adjusted in real-time to maximise effectiveness and respond to evolving situations on the field.”
In essence, Dhaka Capitals’ model blends international insight with local knowledge, enabling the team to stay competitive while simultaneously nurturing homegrown talent.
The table below summarises the coaching structure and responsibilities within Dhaka Capitals:
| Staff Role | Nationality | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Toby Radford | Foreign (UK) | Head coach; overall strategy, technical guidance |
| Mahbub Ali Jacky | Local | Assistant coach; tactical planning, game strategies |
| Physio Team | Local | Player fitness management, injury prevention, rehabilitation |
| Trainers | Local | Daily practice sessions, strength & conditioning, performance optimisation |
| Analysts (occasional) | Foreign | Opposition analysis, match preparation insights |
This structure not only strengthens the team but also ensures that local coaching talent gains invaluable experience at a professional level. By entrusting domestic staff with core responsibilities, Dhaka Capitals demonstrate how homegrown expertise can complement international guidance.
While a foreign head coach provides strategic insight and global experience, it is the local coaching team who form the operational backbone, ensuring players are physically prepared, tactically aware, and adaptable throughout the tournament. This model highlights the importance of nurturing domestic talent alongside international collaboration.