Chandika return not on the cards

Speculation surrounding the identity of Bangladesh's new head coach has reached a peak after former South Africa coach Russel Domingo sat for an interview with the Bangladesh Cricket Board on Wednesday for the vacant post.

A few other names have been doing the rounds with former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson one of the top candidates as it was learned that securing the services of the 44-year-old was a top priority for the BCB.

Some other names include Paul Farbrace, Dale Benkenstein and even the Tigers' former coach Chandika Hathurusingha. 

It was thought for a while that the former Sri Lankan cricketer was a strong candidate, even though the 50-year-old left the position in 2017 to coach Sri Lanka with time still left in his contract with the BCB.

There was talk that the BCB would conduct a telephone interview with Hathurusingha, but The Daily Star understands that the Sri Lankan is not even in consideration for the post.

It was learned that during the last board meeting on July 27, almost all the directors present were against the rehiring of Hathurusingha.

Since then, there have been no further discussions about the Sri Lankan potentially becoming Bangladesh's coach, although the BCB has tried to keep an option open by not officially ruling him out.

The reason behind the BCB's unwillingness to go back to Hathurusingha was because of his ongoing issues with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), which has already affected his image. It is understood that the BCB does not want to be engaged with someone who may well be embroiled in a legal battle with his current employer. 

SLC had suspended Hathurusingha and appointed former fast bowler Rumesh Ratnayake as a temporary replacement for the upcoming New Zealand series.

SLC refused, however, to clarify whether Hathurusingha had been sacked.

There have been reports that Hesson is all set to become Bangladesh's new head coach. However, Hesson is also the frontrunner for the post of India's head coach along with Mahela Jayawardene and Tom Moody, and all will depend on whether the New Zealander lands that coveted post.

It has also been reported that Domingo was more interested in coaching the developmental squads in Bangladesh, but a source close to developments said that that is not the case and that the South African is in fact eager to take on the main role.  

According to sources, the BCB is also not interested in former Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur, who was recently axed by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

So, it is all but certain that the Hathurusingha era is over for Bangladesh cricket and chances are high that the new person to take charge of the Tigers will be either one of Hesson or Domingo.