Faruque Ahmed, the new president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), reiterated his stance that Chandika Hathurusingha should not continue as head coach. Faruque Ahmed said that he will take the final decision on Chandika Hathurusingha’s future after discussing it with his colleagues at the BCB.
BCB appointed Chandika Hathurusingha as the head coach of the men’s cricket team in February 2023, on a contract lasting till the 2025 Champions Trophy. However, the team has had disappointing performances, including group stage exits from the 2023 Asia Cup, 2023 World Cup and 2024 T20 World Cup.
Chandika Hathurusingha’s contract is still unknown – Faruque Ahmed
In his first press conference as BCB president, Faruque Ahmed said that Chandika Hathurusingha should not continue as Bangladesh’s head coach. Ahmed said he needs to review Hathurusingha’s contract and talk to his colleagues to explore other potential candidates for the post.
“I have not heard anything about Chandika Hathurusingha’s contract yet. I have to see some things officially but I have not changed my earlier stance. I have to talk to my colleague in the next two to three days and see if we can find someone better than him. We have to prepare a list of candidates and see who wants to join us,” Faruque said on Wednesday.
Faruque resigned as chief selector in 2016 after the BCB introduced a two-tier selection panel, reportedly at the request of Chandika Hathurusingha. Ahmed had previously questioned Hathurusingha’s return as chief coach in 2023. Hathurusingha served as Bangladesh’s head coach from 2014 to 2017.
Last time he left us in trouble – Faruque Ahmed
Faruque Ahmed criticised the decision to reappoint Chandika Hathurusingha as head coach. Ahmed added that Hathurusingha had left Bangladesh in a difficult position in 2017. Faruque said Bangladesh’s past success under Hathurusingha was due to a collective effort, not just her individual contribution.
“It was a real mistake to bring back Hathurusingha for a second stint. He had left us in trouble the last time he left office.” [in 2017]”Bangladesh was a stepping stone for him. He came back to his country and became their head coach. He couldn’t believe that a 25-member board of directors, including the president, could take such a decision. I hope they are realising their mistake,” Faruque said.
“Those who brought him back thought he was a magician. They thought that only Hathurusinghe created this bubble of success. Cricket is not magic. Bangladesh’s success is due to a combination of players, coaches, selection committee and even board members.”
Hathurusingha recently stated that he is willing to step down if the Bangladesh Cricket Board decides to go in a different direction. He mentioned that he would honour his contract till the end. However, he is open to any decision the board takes, whether they decide to keep him or not.
Nazmul Hassan has resigned as the chairman of the Bangladesh Cricket Board after 12 years in office. Hassan made the decision following political instability and his links with the previous government. Faruque Ahmed was appointed on August 21 in Dhaka after being nominated by the National Sports Committee.
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