Mickey Arthur to Coach Rangpur Riders Remotely for GSL Title Defence in Guyana
Former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur will once again take charge of the Rangpur Riders as they prepare to defend their Global Super League (GSL) title in the tournament’s second season starting July 10 in Guyana—though this time, his presence will be virtual.
With Arthur currently engaged with Derbyshire in the English County Championship, the Riders have opted for a remote coaching arrangement. Greg Smith, who has worked closely with Arthur in the past, has been appointed as interim head coach and will lead the squad on the ground under Arthur’s strategic guidance.
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“Mickey will stay connected with the players and continue to offer his input,” Rangpur team director Shanian Taneem said during a jersey unveiling ceremony in Dhaka. “Greg is someone Mickey fully trusts and will lead the team accordingly.”
Arthur, who was at the helm when Rangpur lifted the title in the inaugural edition of the GSL and also coached the team during the last Bangladesh Premier League season, played a central role in shaping the squad for the West Indies conditions. “While forming our squad, we remained in constant touch with Mickey and discussed which players would perform well on Guyana’s pitches,” Shanian added.
The defending champions have retained core domestic players including captain Nurul Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, and Harmeet Singh. Their overseas lineup features a diverse mix: West Indian all-rounder Kyle Mayers, South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, Pakistan’s Iftikhar Ahmed, and Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran.
Notably absent from the squad is veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. Addressing his omission, Shanian acknowledged Shakib’s value in franchise cricket but cited political uncertainty for the decision. “It is not that we did not want him in the squad, but we know the situation of the country at this moment,” he said, referring to Shakib’s absence from Bangladesh following the fall of the Awami League government.
The GSL’s second season will feature teams from across the globe including Dubai Capitals, Central Stags, Guyana Amazon Warriors, and Hobart Hurricanes.
Rangpur Riders Squad: Nurul Hasan (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Mohammad Naim, Mahidul Islam, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Mohammad Saif, Abu Hider, Rakilbul Hasan, Yasir Ali, Kyle Mayers, Tabraiz Shamsi, Ibrahim Zadran, Akif Javed, Iftikhar Ahmed, Harmeet Singh, Khawaja Nafay.
As the GSL returns with global flavor and competitive squads, all eyes will be on how Rangpur fares under Arthur’s virtual mentorship and Smith’s on-ground leadership in their quest to retain the crown.
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