The waiting game is over. After weeks of speculation, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has made its decision—Chandika Hathurusingha, a former Sri Lankan batsman and seasoned coach, will take charge as the new head coach of the Bangladesh cricket team. Leaving his roles with New South Wales and the Sydney Thunder behind, Hathurusingha embarks on his first tenure as the head coach of an international side—and, crucially, a Test-playing nation. He is set to arrive in Dhaka by June 10, marking the beginning of what could be a transformative but challenging journey.
But his appointment raises familiar questions: Is Hathurusingha the right choice? Can he shoulder the weight of expectations? While some have lauded the BCB’s selection, others—ever quick to criticize—have expressed skepticism. Yet, to dismiss him prematurely would be to ignore both his pedigree and potential. To understand why, we must delve deeper into Hathurusingha’s journey and the challenges he now faces.
From Promise to Pariah: Hathurusingha’s Journey Through Cricket
As a cricketer, Hathurusingha showcased flashes of brilliance. A compact opening batsman with a full repertoire of strokes, he formed a solid partnership with Roshan Mahanama until the explosive arrival of Sanath Jayasuriya changed Sri Lanka’s batting approach. In addition to his batting, Hathurusingha contributed with medium-pace bowling, often picking up critical wickets in crucial moments. However, inconsistency marred his career, and despite a promising start against New Zealand, his international journey was abruptly curtailed. His final appearance for Sri Lanka came in 1999, after which he faded from the national setup.
Rather than wallowing in disappointment, Hathurusingha redirected his energies toward coaching, determined to master the game from the other side of the boundary. His initial assignments included coaching the UAE and Sri Lanka A, where he quickly made a name for himself with a methodical, no-nonsense approach. However, controversy would follow him—a pattern that would test both his resolve and reputation.
Hathurusingha’s tenure as assistant coach of Sri Lanka’s national team ended abruptly in 2010, after he left a tour of Zimbabwe early to attend a coaching course in Australia without the board’s permission. Despite pleas from captain Kumar Sangakkara to reinstate him—Sangakkara hailed his ability to "out-work, out-think, and out-shine" foreign coaches—the Sri Lankan cricket board remained unmoved. Disillusioned, Hathurusingha sought permanent residency in Australia and began a new chapter in his coaching career.
Over the following years, he honed his craft with New South Wales, steadily building his reputation as an astute tactician. Even as he struggled to find success with the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League, his work with New South Wales earned widespread praise. Now, having accepted the mantle of Bangladesh’s head coach, Hathurusingha faces his toughest challenge yet.
A Task Beyond Tactics: Stabilizing a Fragile Team
The Tigers have always been a team of contradictions—brilliant on some days, brittle on others. One of Hathurusingha’s most immediate challenges will be restoring the squad’s shaken confidence. The scars of inconsistency have left the players vulnerable to self-doubt, and without stability, individual brilliance often dissipates into collective underperformance. Hathurusingha must serve not only as a tactician but as a motivator—someone capable of rebuilding morale while cultivating mental toughness.
However, technical expertise alone won’t suffice. To succeed in Bangladesh, Hathurusingha will need to immerse himself in the domestic cricket landscape, where the future of the national team is shaped. His ability to identify and nurture emerging talent will be essential in bridging the gap between potential and performance. Moreover, his success hinges on his capacity to connect with both players and fans, for coaching in Bangladesh is as much about relationships as it is about results.
The Unseen Burden: Navigating BCB’s Politics
Yet, the obstacles before Hathurusingha extend beyond the cricket field. The BCB has long struggled with internal politics, favoritism, and interference, which have stifled the development of Bangladeshi cricket. Too often, coaches and captains have been treated as mere extensions of the board’s authority—remote-controlled figures expected to carry out directives without question. Such a culture not only undermines leadership but also erodes trust and fosters dysfunction within the team.
For Hathurusingha to succeed, the BCB must offer him the autonomy he needs to implement his vision. Coaches like Hathurusingha, known for their disciplined, independent style, are unlikely to thrive under constant interference. The board’s ability to respect boundaries and prioritize long-term planning over short-term whims will determine the success of this partnership. Without this freedom, even the most talented coach can find himself shackled, unable to make meaningful progress.
The Role of Patience: Managing Expectations
Bangladesh’s cricketing fraternity—both officials and fans—has a tendency to expect instant results, often viewing foreign coaches as miracle workers. But cricket, like any craft, requires time, trust, and patience. Hathurusingha’s success will not come from quick fixes but from steady, incremental improvements. For the Tigers to evolve into a consistent force, fans must temper their expectations and support the process, even when setbacks occur. Transformation in cricket, as in life, rarely happens overnight.
A Fork in the Road: Opportunity and Risk
The arrival of Hathurusingha offers Bangladesh cricket a rare opportunity—a chance to move beyond its history of fleeting successes and build a team capable of sustained excellence. His appointment is not without risks, but it also carries immense promise. With his technical acumen, global experience, and ability to command respect, Hathurusingha has the tools to elevate Bangladesh’s cricketing fortunes.
At the same time, the BCB must recognize that coaches are not magicians. The board’s role is to create an environment in which the coach can thrive—a space free from political interference, where cricket takes precedence over personal agendas. If the BCB fails in this regard, even the most capable coach will struggle to deliver.
A Journey Begins: The Road Ahead for Hathurusingha and the Tigers
The journey ahead will not be easy. Hathurusingha inherits a team brimming with potential but haunted by inconsistency. His task is as much about stabilizing as it is about innovating, as much about empathy as it is about strategy. In a cricketing culture that demands both success and friendship, Hathurusingha must strike a delicate balance—earning the trust of his players while pushing them to reach new heights.
If given the space to work freely, Hathurusingha could lay the foundation for a new era in Bangladesh cricket. But success will require more than just his expertise; it will demand patience, understanding, and above all, unity—from the players, the board, and the fans.
As Bangladesh embarks on this new chapter under Hathurusingha’s guidance, the hopes of a nation rest on more than just his shoulders. They rest on the collective will to move forward, to shed the distractions of the past, and to embrace the future with clarity and purpose. If the Tigers can do that, then perhaps, under Hathurusingha, they will finally roar—not just in moments, but in seasons to come.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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