Five Bangladesh coaching staff members opt out of Pakistan tour

Five members of the Bangladesh coaching staff has decided against touring Pakistan for the upcoming three-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series, starting from January 24 in Lahore.

According to a report by Dhaka Tribune, spin bowling coach Daniel Vettori, trainer Mario Villavarayan, fielding coach Ryan Cook, white-ball batting consultant Neil McKenzie and computer analyst Shrinivaas Chandrasekaran have informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) about their decision.

However, the Bangladesh's head coach Russell Domingo along with South African physio Julian Calefato are ready to visit Pakistan for the upcoming tour.

The BCB is currently finalising replacements, who will join the aformentioned duo as part of the coaching staff. The report further adds that Sri Lankan Champaka Ramanayake will play the role of a bowling coach, whereas former Bangladesh first-class cricketer Sohel Islam will take over as spin bowling and fielding coach for the tour.

This news comes a day after Bangladesh’s wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim declined to visit Pakistan for the forthcoming series, a team official said on Thursday.

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“Mushfiq rang me today to inform that he will not go to Pakistan. We are now waiting for his formal letter. Once he does that, we will leave him out of the series,” Bangladesh chief selector Minhajul Abedin told AFP.

Bangladesh are scheduled to play three Twenty20 internationals, two Tests and one one-day international (ODI) in Pakistan between January and April.

Mushfiqur’s absence could be a blow for Bangladesh, who are already without suspended all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan.

Minhajul said they are likely to announce the squad for the series in a day or two.

International cricket has gradually returned to Pakistan in the last four years after it was suspended in the wake of terrorist attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in March 2009.