Bangladesh to have Vettori for 22 days in NZ

Bangladesh spin bowling consultant Daniel Vettori will be available to work for 22 days with the national team who are currently on tour of New Zealand. 

The former New Zealand spinner last worked with the team during the home series against Zimbabwe in February-March last year.

There was intention of Bangladesh Cricket Board to involve Vettori in the home series against the West Indies early this year but Covid-19 protocol issues denied him from doing so.

Vettori was entrusted the role in July 2019 for 100 working days. 

So far the former left-arm spinner has been available for 60 working days for Bangladesh.

Discussion is abound over whether Vettori’s involvement with Bangladesh will come to an end with the three ODIs and as many T20s against hosts New Zealand.

BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury however, did not make a comment when queried over this issue, rather he confirmed Vettori’s availability for the bilateral series, set to start on March 20 in Dunedin. 

Vettori is expected to join the Bangladesh team on March 11.

“We are trying to handle his (Vettori) matter in a different way, given that he used to be a big cricketer in his days. The board believes his presence in the dressing room adds a different value. His experience in New Zealand conditions will be a big help in the series. So the board has come to the decision after profound discussion. He will be available for 20 to 22 days for the Bangladesh team in New Zealand,” said Nizamuddin to the media Wednesday.

Explaining his absence during the home series against the West Indies despite other coaching staffs being available, Nizamuddin said, “Vettori has been involved with the Bangladesh team for a long time now. But he had issues with travelling due to the Covid-19 pandemic. That is why he could not join the team for the West Indies series.”