Bangladesh’s head coach Chandika Hathurusingha remains committed to fulfilling his contract with the national cricket team despite the recent political turmoil in the country. Amidst the possibility of a major shakeup in the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Hathurusingha expressed his willingness to continue in his role.
“I have signed a contract till whatever the date and I’m looking forward to serve that term,” Hathurusingha stated. “If the board (is) changed and the new people want to make a change, I’m OK with that. (If) they want me to continue, if they’re happy with me, I’m happy with that.”
Hathurusingha’s focus remains on preparing his team for the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, starting Wednesday in Rawalpindi. The former Sri Lankan international was appointed as Bangladesh’s all-format coach in early 2023 on a two-year contract. This is Hathurusingha’s second stint as Bangladesh coach, having previously served from 2014-17 before leaving to coach Sri Lanka.
The political unrest in Bangladesh disrupted the team’s preparations back home, prompting them to seek additional training in Lahore upon their arrival in Pakistan. Six Bangladesh Test players, who came with the country’s “A” team, also participated in a four-day practice game against Pakistan Shaheens in Islamabad.
The Bangladesh Test squad includes star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who was a lawmaker in ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. However, Shakib was playing in Canada at the time of her resignation earlier this month.
Pakistan has named a strong bowling attack for the first Test, including pace bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shehzad, and Mohammad Ali. The selectors have released leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed and uncapped batter Kamran Ghulam.
Hathurusingha expressed his condolences for the families who lost loved ones in the political turmoil. He emphasized that his “thoughts and prayers are with them.”
