Mahmud just ‘looking after’ the team

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director Khaled Mahmud conducted his first training session today with the Tigers following the World Cup campaign. While all signs point to the fact that Mahmud will be leading the team for their tour of Sri Lanka, Mahmud himself was uncertain about his role as the interim coach following Steve Rhodes's departure.

Mahmud had wanted the head coach position for a long period but confirmed that he has not held any discussions with BCB on the matter. He is currently looking after the team until the management can find someone to take the helm.

"Yes I did want to be in charge for a longer period but there haven't been any discussions with the board yet. Akram [Khan] bhai told me that 'now you look after the team as there is no coach of the team at the moment.' But still I haven't been notified officially by the board. But I have been a part of Bangladesh cricket for a long time and I always love to do anything for the team. So as the team needs me, I am here. But definitely I will talk about this," Mahmud told reporters today.

By his own admission, his role of interim coach is temporary as well. "I am actually not sure about my role in the team. Then again we might even find a new coach in the meantime and that would be a really good news. But at the moment, I will be there in the upcoming 2-3 days practice sessions. I would have been with the team as a manager if not as a coach so let's see," he said.

He was however looking forward to the challenge if he is given the assignment of fulfilling the head coach role. "Obviously it is a challenge. Every tour of Bangladesh is a challenge. Whenever I stay as a part of the team, I always stay under a challenge. So even if I have been given the responsibility temporarily, still I think there will be a challenge. This Sri Lanka tour is definitely a very important series for me.," Mahmud concluded.