Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20 franchise Rangpur Riders have roped in Australian Shane Jurgensen as the head coach of the team. The side also confirmed the services of former Bangladesh spinner Mohammad Rafique as the bowling consultant.
Jurgensen, who previously worked as the head coach of Bangladesh, is expected to join the Riders a week before the third edition of the BPL, scheduled to begin on November 22.
“We have a deal with Shane Jurgensen, who will be our head coach. We are hoping he will arrive in Dhaka a week or so before the tournament begins,” said Rangpur owner Rafiqul Islam to a cricket-based website yesterday.
Jurgensen left the Bangladesh head coach job in May last year. The former Queensland and Tasmania cricketer resigned from his post after 19 months at the helm.
During his tenure with the Tigers, Jurgensen won ODI series’ against New Zealand and the West Indies and drew against Sri Lanka. The 39-year old’s appointment with BPL franchise Rangpur means he will be back in Bangladesh after 18 months.
Rafique on the other hand previously worked for Dhaka Gladiators in the first two seasons of the money-spinning tournament.
Through Jurgensen’s appointment, all the six BPL franchises have now completed the signing of a head coach. Dhaka Dynamites signed former South Africa and Australia head coach Mickey Arthur, Barisal Bulls confirmed the services of former Proteas head coach Graham Ford while Chittagong Vikings acquired former India all-rounder Robin Singh.
In contrast, Sylhet Super Stars and Comilla Victorians have opted for local coaches. While Sylhet signed Sarwar Imran, Comilla roped in Mohammad Salahuddin.