Also read: We won’t rush to find new coach, says Jalal
“Actually it’s really tough to comment on this as it has been heard that the coach has resigned. It’s not official yet. BCB may discuss with him. Actually I don’t know really about the matter, so it’s very tough to comment,” Mashrafe said to the media at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka Saturday. “I was there with the ODI team in South Africa for about two weeks. We have had few positive discussions about the team then. We tried to win at least one ODI there. We never had any discussion related with his resignation or something like that,” he added. The Tigers, who have been impressive in ODIs in the last couple of years, are entering a crucial period as they prepare themselves for the 2019 50-over World Cup in England and Wales. The decision of naming a new coach therefore will prove to be crucial. When questioned about the senior players’ suggestion on the selection of a new coach, Mashrafe informed that they will have a say if BCB wants their suggestion.
Also read: Won’t force Hathurusingha to stay, says BCB president Nazmul
“If Hathurusingha does not want to come, then we can think about the options. We still don’t know the actual situation. If he confirms his resignation then we can know about options. If BCB wants, then senior players might say something on that. There is still one and a half years left to the 2019 World Cup. If there is a new coach then hopefully he will get enough time before the World Cup,” Mashrafe explained. Questions have been raised as to whether BCB would opt for a coach from the sub-continent as the new coach will have to adapt to the condition and culture of the country pretty quickly. But Mashrafe believes coaches who came from outside the sub-continent have also proven to be successful in the past. “It depends on a lot of things. Previously coaches like Jamie Siddons and Dav Whatmore have worked with us and got success. So it’s tough to guess as to who can get success or who can’t. I believe BCB will take the decision after much discussion,” the 34-year old concluded.
