‘I’m happy to continue’ – Chandika Hathurusingha pleased to hang around as Bangladesh head coach

Chandika Hathurusingha. (Photo Source: Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

Not only are things going helter-skelter in Bangladesh, which is in the midst of one of their worst political turmoil, the mishaps there have been rubbing off within the composition of the team as well. It has been widely speculated that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is poised to go through a revamp when it comes to key managerial personnel as well as auxiliary positions, which includes the coaching staff too.

The disintegration of the Awami League government has seen some chaotic repercussions when it comes to the BCB, with many eminent personalities, including the President Nazmul Hassan Papon, concealing his whereabouts from the general masses.

Head coach of Bangladesh, Chandika Hathurusingha, reflected on the same while addressing the media in Rawalpindi today, and was mixed in his stance originally. However, he was more than happy to spend additional time with the team, if provided a contract extension after a disappointing second stint with the team from 2023 onwards.

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“I don’t know what’s happening back home. I have signed a contract till whatever the date [February 2025]. I am looking forward to serve the term. If the board changes, and the new people want to make a change, I am okay with that. If they want to continue with me, I am happy to continue,” stated Hathurusingha, as quoted by The Daily Star.

I hope that the country will come to normalcy soon: Hathurusingha

Hathurusingha also commented on the grave situation in Bangladesh. The Sri Lankan was in Dhaka during the concluding phase of the protests against the former Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, and was witness to the aggression and violence displayed on the streets on a first-hand basis.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the family of those who lost their loved ones. It was really hard. I hope the students’ questions will be answered. It was an unprecedented event. I hope that the country will come to normalcy soon. It was very difficult,” added Hathurusingha.

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Hathurusingha’s first spell with the Tigers was from 2014 to 2017, which was a much more successful period for him as head coach.