New BCB President wants 'someone better' than Hathurusinghe as coach

Newly-appointed Bangladesh Cricket Board president Faruque Ahmed doesn’t want Chandika Hathurusinghe to continue as Bangladesh’s head coach. Hathurusinghe's current contract will only end after next year’s Champions Trophy in February and Faruque wants to “find someone better than him”.

"I am yet to find out about Chandika Hathurusinghe'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,” said Faruque, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo, in his first press conference as the BCB president.

Faruque wasn’t impressed that Hathurusinghe was brought back as Bangladesh’s head coach in 2023.  

"It was a real blunder to bring back Hathurusinghe for a second stint," Faruque said. 

"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.

"Those who brought him back thought that he was a magician. They thought that only Hathurusinghe created this bubble of success. Cricket is not about magic. Bangladesh's success is due to a combination of players, coaches, selection committee and even board officials."

Faruque also expressed he is keen to have Tamim Iqbal back in the Bangladesh set-up. The left-handed opener hasn’t played for Bangladesh since September 2023. He announced his retirement from international cricket last year before making a U-turn on his decision. Tamim then also decided to opt out of the central contracts. 

"The relevant board department will see what he has to do to play (for Bangladesh). I would like to see Tamim Iqbal play for two or three years more. Maybe ODI is his best format now. I think Tamim can tell you better whether he can play the longer format.

"I want to speak to Tamim about his future plans. He is a former captain so he definitely has leadership qualities. If he doesn't want to play, I will be happy to see him get involved with the board. He can serve us well in the board."

Bangladesh are currently in the midst of a two-Test series against Pakistan which is part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. 

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