Chandika Hathurusingha responds to BCB President's bold warning

Bangladesh national cricket team head coach Chandika Hathurusingha has responded to the newly appointed Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Faruque Ahmed's recent strong remarks. 

In his inaugural press conference, Ahmed expressed doubts about Hathurusingha’s future as head coach and indicated a thorough review of his tenure.

Faruque did not hold back in his assessment, stating that he intends to reevaluate Hathurusingha's role and consider other options. 

"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.

"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," he maintained.

"Those who brought him back thought that he was a magician. They thought that only Hathurusingha 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," he added.

In response, Hathurusingha addressed the BCB president's comments during a press conference ahead of the second Test match against Pakistan. 

"I understand that when new leadership takes over, they bring their own perspectives, but I will be eager to get the opportunity to speak with them—that’s my first priority. Secondly, my job is to prepare the team as best as I can. We've put in a lot of hard work over the last few months, and our focus now is on the next game," Hathurusingha said.

It is worth noting that Bangladesh has taken the lead in the ongoing Test series by securing their first-ever victory against Pakistan in the opening match. The second Test is set to begin on August 30 in Rawalpindi.