Chandika Hathurusingha’s future as Bangladesh head coach has become one of the major talking points in the cricket fraternity after Faruque Ahmed took over as Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president. Amid the speculations, the Sri Lankan managed to guide Najmul Hossain Shanto’s men to a maiden Test series win against Pakistan earlier this week.
Faruque, who had played seven ODIs for Bangladesh between 1988 and 1999, took charge as BCB president last month. The 58-year-old has previously voiced his displeasure over Hathurusingha’s coaching methods in the last couple of years. He also clarified that his stance remains the same. However, according to BCB director Nazmul Abedin, Hathurusingha is still in Bangladesh’s plans and would be spearheading the team on their upcoming tour of India.
“The head coach will come, and he will be here in Bangladesh (and will guide the team against India),” Nazmul was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
Hathurusingha apparently wanted to have a meeting with the BCB heirarchy but he left Bangladesh only a day after returning to the country from Pakistan. He is expected to return to Bangladesh on September 12.
Nazmul informed that ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will directly arrive in India as he is currently playing county cricket in England for Surrey. The entire Bangladesh team is scheduled to start their preparations on Monday, September 9.
“Shakib will come to India from England to play. For now we know this much and we want to keep it that way. There is no injury problem as far as I know. Hopefully the whole team will be available. Shakib has gone to play County and I am hoping everyone else will be available. From September 9, the whole team is expected to practice in full swing,” he added.
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The Bangla Tigers will be playing two Tests and three T20Is in India against the Men in Blue. The first Test gets underway on Thursday, September 19, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.