Bangladesh Coach Backs Aliss Al Islam to Address Bowling-Action Concerns
Bangladesh High Performance Unit head coach Mohammad Salahuddin is hopeful that spinner Aliss Al Islam can resolve concerns about his bowling action while retaining the qualities that make him effective. The bowler was reported for a suspected illegal action during Bangladesh’s recently completed Tri-Series match against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates, putting his technique and immediate playing future under scrutiny.
As Aliss prepares for an assessment at an International Cricket Council (ICC)-accredited laboratory, Salahuddin has stressed that the process must focus on more than technical adjustments. In his view, the bowler’s confidence and emotional wellbeing are just as important as any changes made to his delivery. The challenge is to meet the assessment requirements without diminishing the control, variation and impact that have made Aliss a useful option in cricket.
ICC assessment expected in Chennai
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has asked Salahuddin to work with Aliss ahead of the formal assessment. Under the relevant process, a bowler reported for a suspect action must undergo testing at an ICC-accredited facility within 14 days of being reported. The BCB has informed the ICC that it intends to send Aliss to Chennai for the evaluation.
The assessment will determine whether the bowler’s action complies with the regulations. For Aliss, it is a significant step: the result could shape his availability and the work required before he returns to competitive action. Until the process is complete, attention will centre on preparation, technical review and maintaining the player’s confidence.
Salahuddin, who has previously worked with bowlers facing similar reports, said the period immediately after a report can be especially difficult. He acknowledged feeling disappointed that he had not been able to spend as much time with Aliss as he would have liked, because he was currently training with another team. Even so, he said the player was making progress and expressed confidence that he could address the issue.
Why mental support matters
A suspect-action report can bring uncertainty at a time when a player is already focused on performance and selection. The possibility of missing matches, undergoing technical testing and changing a familiar bowling motion can weigh heavily. Salahuddin believes that offering reassurance and practical support should be a priority while Aliss works through those demands.
“This is the most important time for a person to receive mental support,” Salahuddin said, explaining that emotional support could be more urgent than technical intervention in the early stages. He described it as a moral responsibility to help a player who is temporarily unable to take part in cricket in the usual way.
That approach reflects a broader point about the relationship between technique and performance. A bowler may need to make adjustments to satisfy the rules, but changes can also affect rhythm, confidence and the feel of a delivery. Coaching therefore involves helping the player understand the process while avoiding unnecessary pressure. For Aliss, a calm and supportive environment could be important as he prepares for testing and continues working on his action.
Correcting the action without losing effectiveness
Salahuddin’s main caution is that an adjustment should not come at the cost of Aliss’s effectiveness. A revised action may be compliant, but if it reduces the bowler’s ability to trouble batters, control the ball or contribute to the team, the outcome would be incomplete. The goal, he suggested, is not simply to change the action, but to find a technically acceptable way for Aliss to remain a competitive bowler.
“There is no point if the ball is not as effective as it was before,” Salahuddin said, noting that the coaching team must keep both performance and mental strength in view. He pointed to former Bangladesh spinner Abdur Razzak as an example of a bowler who managed to preserve his effectiveness after correcting his action.
That balance can be difficult because bowlers rely on carefully developed movements and timing. A small alteration may influence release point, flight, pace or the amount of turn a spinner can generate. The work ahead will therefore require close observation and a tailored plan, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution. The ICC assessment will provide a formal benchmark, while coaching can help Aliss adapt without losing the strengths of his natural game.
What the case means for Bangladesh
Aliss’s situation is also a reminder of the importance of player development and support systems in Bangladesh cricket. The BCB’s decision to involve Salahuddin ahead of the assessment gives the bowler access to experienced guidance as he navigates a potentially stressful period. The immediate priority is to prepare properly for the laboratory test, but the longer-term objective is to help him return with confidence and a reliable action.
For team selectors and supporters, the outcome will matter because Aliss’s value depends not only on being available but also on being able to perform his role effectively. A successful resolution would give him a clearer path back into contention. However, any prediction about the timing of his return remains uncertain until the assessment is completed and the next steps are known.
Salahuddin remains optimistic, saying he has seen progress and believes Aliss can get through the process. His message is measured: technical compliance is essential, but so are confidence, support and the ability to keep influencing matches. If the coaching work can bring those elements together, Aliss may be able to address the report without losing the qualities that made him effective in the first place.
