If the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) finalises its move to reappoint Tony Hemming as Head of Turf Management, it could mark a pivotal shift in the country’s approach to pitch preparation and ground standards — one that’s long overdue.
Hemming, who previously served as BCB’s chief curator before stepping down unexpectedly last year, is reportedly in advanced talks to return in a more authoritative role. According to board insiders, he will oversee all curators nationwide, effectively becoming the central figure in Bangladesh’s turf strategy. The position — Head of Turf Management — is not merely symbolic; it places Hemming at the helm of a system that has often lacked consistency and modernisation.
His credentials speak volumes. Before his stint in Bangladesh, Hemming held senior roles at the ICC Cricket Academy and Dubai International Stadium, and served as a pitch consultant for Oman Cricket. His technical expertise and global experience make him uniquely qualified to elevate Bangladesh’s pitch standards to international benchmarks.
The timing of this potential appointment is telling. Just weeks ago, the BCB extended current head curator Gamini de Silva’s contract by a year, yet board president Aminul Islam Bulbul openly hinted at a possible change. “We are talking with other curators and may replace him,” Bulbul said in July, suggesting that the extension may be more transitional than long-term.
Gamini, who is set to go on leave from 10 August, has served the board with diligence, but questions remain about the consistency and adaptability of his methods — particularly in light of Bangladesh’s evolving cricketing ambitions. Hemming’s return could inject fresh thinking, technical rigour, and a more unified turf philosophy across venues.
Sources indicate that Hemming has signed a two-year deal and is expected to arrive in Dhaka imminently. His reappointment follows six months of quiet negotiations, underscoring the board’s intent to recalibrate its turf management strategy.
If confirmed, Hemming’s leadership could also influence the future of Gamini’s role, depending on how the two professionals align — or clash — in vision and execution.
In a cricketing landscape where home advantage often hinges on pitch behaviour, Bangladesh cannot afford to lag behind. A centralised, expert-led turf management system is not just a logistical upgrade — it’s a strategic necessity. Hemming’s return, if handled with clarity and collaboration, could be the catalyst for a more professional, performance-driven approach to ground preparation. For a board often criticised for reactive decisions, this one — should it materialise — feels refreshingly proactive.
