Sriram’s return appears ‘slim’, Mahmud returning

Sridharan Sriram is unlikely to return for another stint with Bangladesh despite being in BCB's shortlist of assistant coaches. BCB cricket operations chairman Jalal Yunus talked to the media at his residence today and informed regarding the matter.

Sriram had been in charge of the Tigers as a technical consultant during the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup last year.

"I don't feel he [Sriram] is available and won't be able to join since he has IPL assignment and it will be difficult for him to skip it and join us full time. He isn't interested in BCB's terms. So chances are very slim," Jalal told the media today.

BCB had previously informed that they were on the lookout for an assistant coach and that they were looking to make the assistant coach appointment before the England series. Jalal today alluded that the coach may be batting-centric. "The assistant coach will be batting-centric but the chances of getting an assistant coach before the England series are very small."

Team director Khaled Mahmud had been on a break from his role and he had previously stated that it was a role he may not return to unless asked by the BCB. Jalal today informed that Mahmud will be returning for the England series in the role of team director. Mahmud, who had talked to Chandika Hathurusingha during the Lankan's appointment, has already started planning for the England series.

Bangladesh are unlikely to hold any official camp for the England series.

"There will not be any official camps for the England series. On 24th or 25th, the team will play a practice game. The team will be announced in a day or two," Jalal informed.

Bangladesh will cap off their Super League fixtures with three ODIs against Ireland. The series will be played on May 9, 12 and 14 respectively, in Chelmsford, England.

According to ICC's FTP schedule, there are also three T20Is but there are uncertainties about the T20I series.

"Ireland could not confirm venue. So the T20I series may not take place but the ODIs will be played in England.

Bangladesh A side will also return to action in June with West Indies A side the likely opponents. BCB president Nazmul Hassan had said that local coaches may be introduced in some levels so that they can adapt to challenges when brought into national team as assistant coaches. Jalal informed that BCB are keen on using local coaches such as Aftab Ahmed and Rajin Saleh during the A team's assignment.

"There is little chance of local coaches being appointed in the national team as assistant coach. We are happy with Rajin and Aftab. They can work in the A team since there is a matter of improvement," Jalal concluded.