Former Sri Lanka cricketer Piyal Wijetunge has turned down Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) offer as the spin bowling coach of Bangladesh national team after receiving a counter offer from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). The counter offer for Wijetunge from SLC is believed to be higher than what the BCB offered.
This news from BCB comes on the back of a news published in Dhaka Tribune two days ago which expressed uncertainty surrounding Wijetunge’s appointment. BCB, understandably, expressed its disappointment over Wijetunge eventually turning his back on Bangladesh.
“Before signing the agreement with us, he (Wijetunge) should talk to the Lankan board,” said BCB media and communication committee chairman Jalal Younus.
“It’s now certain that he won’t be coming to Bangladesh. So we’ve to look for another coach for our spinners,” Jalal added.
BCB, however, was successful in securing the services of Ruwan Kalpage as the Tigers’ fielding coach and the former Sri Lanka cricketer is expected to begin his new assignment with the Tigers’ within next two to three days, according to Jalal. Kalpage, himself an off-spinner, could mentor the spinners for the time being, Jalal hinted.
“Kalpage was also an off-spinner during his playing career. He can help our spinners though it was not stated in his job criteria. However, we’ll decide after he arrives in the country,” said Jalal to the media personnels.
Kalpage joining the Bangladesh national side will mean he becomes the fourth new member of the team’s support staff after head coach Chandika Hathurusingha, bowling coach Heath Streak and trainer Mario Villavarayan.
Earlier in the previous week, both Kalpage and Wijetunge resigned from their respective Sri Lanka job. The Lankan board accepted Kalpage’s resignation letter but managed to lure Wijetunge to stay back.
“The ExCo and Wijetunge had a discussion and Wijetunge decided to withdraw his resignation,” SLC CEO Ashley de Silva revealed to the media. “The negotiations had something to do with a better offer too.”
At a time when Sri Lanka spinner Sachitra Senanayake’s bowling action is under scrutiny, SLC needed Wijetunge more than any other time to stay with the struggling off-spinner.
