Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha has reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling his contract with the men’s national cricket team, which extends until 2025. This declaration comes amidst the recent political turmoil that has shaken the country. Hathurusingha, speaking to reporters in Rawalpindi on Monday, expressed his dedication to the role, stating, “I have signed a contract till whatever the date and I’m looking forward to serve that term.”
He acknowledged the potential for significant changes within the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) following the political unrest. “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,” he added.
Hathurusingha also extended his condolences to those affected by the recent events, saying, “my thoughts and prayers are with the families that lost loved ones.”
Currently, Hathurusingha is focused on preparing his team for the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, which kicks off on Wednesday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The 55-year-old, a former Sri Lankan international cricketer, was appointed as Bangladesh’s all-format coach earlier this year, marking his second stint with the team. His previous tenure spanned from 2014 to 2017, after which he led the Sri Lankan national side.
The unrest in Bangladesh disrupted the Test team’s preparations back home, prompting an extended training period for the players in Lahore upon their arrival in Pakistan last week. Six Bangladesh Test players, who traveled with the country’s ‘A’ team, also participated in a four-day practice game against Pakistan Shaheens in Islamabad.
The Bangladesh Test squad features star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who was a member of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. Al Hasan was playing in Canada at the time of Hasina’s resignation earlier this month.
The second Test match of the series is scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi, starting on August 30.
