BCB President issues warning to BD coach

'It was a blunder to bring Hathurusingha for a second stint as head coach'

The newly-appointed president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Faruque Ahmed has expressed strong reservations about Chandika Hathurusingha continuing as head coach of the national cricket team.

In his inaugural press conference, Ahmed made it clear that he intends to thoroughly evaluate Hathurusingha's tenure and will make a final decision on the coach's future after consulting with BCB colleagues.

"I am yet to find out about Chandika Hathurusingha's contract. I have to see some stuff officially but I have not moved from my previous stance. I have to speak to my colleague over the next two or three days, and see if we can find someone better than him. We have to prepare a shortlist, and see who wants to join us," Faruque said.

Criticizing the decision to reappoint Hathurusingha, Ahmed referred to the coach's previous stint with Bangladesh, which ended in 2017 under less-than-ideal circumstances.

"It was a real blunder to bring back Hathurusingha for a second stint. He had left us in trouble the last time he left the job [in 2017]. Bangladesh was a stepping stone for him. He went back to his country, became their head coach. I couldn't believe that a 25-member board of directors, including the president, could make such a decision. I hope they are realising their mistake," he said.

Hathurusingha, who was appointed as the BCB's head coach in February 2023 with a contract extending to the 2025 Champions Trophy, has faced criticism due to the team's disappointing performances. The squad exited early from the 2023 Asia Cup, 2023 World Cup, and 2024 T20 World Cup under his guidance.