Hathurusinghe returns

The days of speculation are over and the rumours are true – Chandika Hathurusinghe is indeed returning to Bangladesh to take over the Men’s National Team from the upcoming series against England.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board confirmed his appointment on Tuesday, stating that he has signed a two-year contract starting from February 2023.

This will be the Sri Lankan’s second stint as the head coach of the Tigers following his first term from 2014 to 2017, which included One-Day International series wins over India, Pakistan, and South Africa alongside Test wins against England and Australia at home.

He will start his second spell with the England at home, which begins on March 1.

“It’s an honour to have been given this opportunity to coach the Bangladesh national team once again. I really loved the warmth of the people and the culture of Bangladesh whenever I have been there. I’m looking forward to working with the players once again and enjoy their successes,” Hathurusinghe said on his appointment.

BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury said that Hathurusinghe’s appointment will be an advantage for the players.

“Chandika’s experience and knowledge of Bangladesh cricket will be an advantage for him and will benefit the players. He is a proven tactician and we have seen his impact on the national team during his first assignment,” he said in a press release.

Earlier on the day, Bangladesh Test and Twenty20 Internationals skipper Shakib Al Hasan was asked about the Sri Lankan’s appointment, to which he refused to answer.

Hathurusinghe’s appointment comes following the resignation of Russell Domingo, who was appointed the head coach of the national team in 2019. The South African submitted his resignation following the home series against India in last December, where the Tigers won the ODI series 2-1 before losing the Test series 2-0.

Hathurusinghe’s first term did end on a sweet note as he had submitted his resignation during Bangladesh’s tour of South Africa in 2017 and did not even return to Bangladesh following that.