Time Sports Desk: Hathurusingha, 54, previously coached Bangladesh from 2014-2017, leading them to their first one-day international series victories over Pakistan, India and South Africa while they also reached the 2015 World Cup quarter-finals.

Bangladesh have appointed Chandika Hathurusingha for a as head coach, with the former Sri Lanka batsman signing a two-year deal, confirmed Bangladesh Cricket Board through a press release on Tuesday.

Hathurusingha reached a two-year deal with the BCB, starting from February 2023.

This will be the Sri Lankan’s second stint as the Bangladesh national team coach, having previously served from 2014 to 2017.

The 54-year old Sri Lankan said he was excited at the prospect of returning to Bangladesh cricket.

‘It’s an honour to have been given this opportunity to coach the Bangladesh national team once again. I really loved the warmth of the people and the culture of Bangladesh whenever I have been there,’ he was quoted as saying in the BCB press release.

‘I’m looking forward to working with the players once again and enjoy their successes.’

BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury has welcomed the new head coach who replaces South African Russell Domingo.

‘Chandika’s experience and knowledge of Bangladesh cricket will be an advantage for him and will benefit the players. He is a proven tactician and we have seen his impact on the national team during his first assignment,’ Nizamuddin was quoted as saying in the press release.

Earlier on Tuesday, Hathurusingha resigned from his New South Wales assistant head coach role.

In an official statement, NSW’s head of male cricket, Michael Klinger, said, ‘ Chandi has made a wonderful contribution to Cricket NSW, the Blues and Sydney Thunder over the last couple of years, and we are sad to see him go.’

‘But with that in mind, we totally understand his desire to seek a coaching role internationally, and we wish him all the best in the next chapter of his coaching career.’

SK