Chandika Hathurusingha appointed as the coach of Bangladesh cricket team

Chandika Hathurusingha (L)

Bangladesh Cricket Board, with the series against India at home as their immediate focus, has appointed former Sri Lankan opener Chandika Hathurusingha as the coach of the national side. Nazmul Hassan, the BCB chief, has made it clear that they were on the lookout for a coach who could join the team as soon as possible, and Hathurusingha fitted the bill.

Hathurusingha, a fast bowling all-rounder, played 26 Tests and 35 One Day Internationals for Sri Lanka. It should be noted that Hathurusingha was a former assistant coach of the Sri Lankan side. He is currently the coach of the Big Bash League side Sydney Thunder.

When asked about losing their coach, Cricket New South Wales CEO Andrew Jones said: "Obviously, we are sorry to lose someone of Chandika's ability, but it is a great opportunity for him and a great recognition of his skills and personal qualities.”

“He has done an outstanding job with both the NSW Blues and the Thunder, and I am delighted that his ability will be given an opportunity on a global stage," he added.

Hathurusingha, who has also coached the United Arab Emirates for a year, is expected to be on board before the Indian Premier League gets completed, in time for the 3-match ODI series.