BCB president Faruque Ahmed openly threatens Chandika Hathurusingha, says "we can find someone better"

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) newly appointed president Faruque Ahmed reiterated his stance that Chandika Hathurusingha should not continue as head coach. Faruque Ahmed stated that he will make the final decision on Chandika Hathurusingha's future after discussing it with his colleagues in the BCB.

BCB appointed Chandika Hathurusingha as head coach of the men's cricket team in February 2023, with a contract lasting until the 2025 Champions Trophy. However, the team has faced disappointing performances, including group-stage exits in the 2023 Asia Cup, 2023 World Cup, and 2024 T20 World Cup.

Yet To Find about Chandika Hathurusingha's Contract - Faruque Ahmed

In his first press conference as BCB president, Faruque Ahmed said that Chandika Hathurusingha should not continue as Bangladesh's head coach. Ahmed said he needs to review Hathurusingha's contract and discuss with colleagues to explore other potential candidates for the role.

"I am yet to find out about Chandika Hathurusingha's contract. I have to see some stuff officially but I have not moved from my previous stance. I have to speak to my colleague over the next two or three days, and see if we can find someone better than him. We have to prepare a shortlist, and see who wants to join us," Faruque said on Wednesday.

Faruque resigned as chief selector in 2016 after the BCB introduced a two-tier selection panel, reportedly at Chandika Hathurusingha's request. Ahmed had previously questioned Hathurusingha's return as head coach in 2023. Hathurusingha had served as Bangladesh’s head coach from 2014 to 2017.

He Had Left Us In Trouble The Last Time - Faruque Ahmed

Faruque Ahmed criticized the decision to reappoint Chandika Hathurusingha as head coach. Ahmed added that Hathurusingha had left Bangladesh in a difficult position in 2017. Faruque said that Bangladesh's past success under Hathurusingha was due to a collective effort, not just his individual contribution.

"It was a real blunder to bring back Hathurusingha for a second stint. He had left us in trouble the last time he left the job [in 2017]. Bangladesh was a stepping stone for him. He went back to his country, became their head coach. I couldn't believe that a 25-member board of directors, including the president, could make such a decision. I hope they are realising their mistake," Faruque said.

"Those who brought him back thought that he was a magician. They thought that only Hathurusinghe created this bubble of success. Cricket is not about magic. Bangladesh's success is due to a combination of players, coaches, selection committee and even board officials."

Hathurusingha recently stated that he is willing to step down if the Bangladesh Cricket Board decides to move in a different direction. He mentioned that he would honor his contract until its end. However, he is open to whatever decision the board makes, whether they choose to keep him or not.

Nazmul Hassan resigned as Bangladesh Cricket Board president after 12 years in the role. Hassan made the decision after political unrest and his ties with the former government. Faruque Ahmed was appointed on August 21 in Dhaka after being nominated by the National Sports Committee.

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