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With the 2019 50-over World Cup looming on the horizon, experts believe selection of new coach should be completed after consulting with seniors players in the national team. But Mashrafe believes players’ opinion is not required regarding the selection of a new coach. “I can’t remember any incident in the last 16-17 years in my career when opinions from players were taken before assigning a new coach for Bangladesh cricket. I don’t think it’s essential. It’s not mandatory to discuss with the players before hiring a coach. Our duty is to play good cricket on the field. Whoever becomes coach, we as players, will help him and play according to plan. The decision will be taken by the BCB. Obviously they will take the decision after taking interviews and analysing the candidates,” Mashrafe said during the practice session of Rangpur Riders at Mirpur Academy Ground in Dhaka Wednesday. Mashrafe said the players will have to cope with the situation following the appointment of the new coach, be it local or overseas.
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“I don’t know whether there will a local coach for us or not. If that happens then we will play under him. It’s not a problem. As I said, we are contracted players under the BCB. Whatever decision BCB takes, we will support that. And Hathurusingha’s resignation has not been confirmed yet. There is a chance of his return. If he comes, and after discussion agrees to stay, then Alhamdulillah. And if he leaves, then BCB will take decision,” he explained. “About local coach, I have played under Sarwar Imran sir before. [Khaled Mahmud] Sujon bhai was also our assistant coach before. So players will cope if a local coach takes the duty of managing the national cricket team,” he concluded.