In his first press conference as the BCB president, Faruque Ahmed reaffirmed his stance that Chandika Hathurusinghe should no longer serve as Bangladesh's head coach. This echoes his earlier statements made before assuming the BCB role.
"I haven’t yet reviewed Chandika Hathurusinghe’s contract, but my opinion remains unchanged," Faruque stated on Wednesday. "I need to discuss this with my colleagues over the next few days to see if we can identify a better candidate. We will create a shortlist and determine who is interested in joining us."
Faruque had previously resigned as chief selector in 2016 after then-BCB president Nazmul Hassan introduced a two-tier selection panel, reportedly at Hathurusinghe's behest. Hathurusinghe’s current contract as head coach extends until the end of February 2025, coinciding with the conclusion of the Champions Trophy. Faruque questioned Hathurusinghe's effectiveness, citing issues both on and off the field. He suggested that the costs associated with terminating Hathurusinghe's contract would be less damaging than retaining him, describing the work environment under Hathurusinghe as unmanageable.
Faruque had voiced concerns when Hathurusinghe was reappointed for a second term in 2023. Despite the BCB’s confidence in him, the team failed to sustain the progress made under previous coaches Steve Rhodes and Russell Domingo.
Soon after Hathurusinghe's return, the dressing room atmosphere deteriorated, marked by Tamim Iqbal's retirement and public criticism from Shakib Al Hasan. Allan Donald also resigned as the fast-bowling coach. Bangladesh's performance in the T20 World Cup was disappointing, with Hathurusinghe's decisions, particularly in the Super Eight match against Afghanistan, coming under scrutiny.
Faruque criticised the decision to bring Hathurusinghe back, calling it a "blunder." He recalled how Hathurusinghe had left Bangladesh in a difficult situation when he first departed in 2017, viewing the role as a stepping stone in his career. Faruque expressed disbelief that the board, including its president, would make such a choice, and hoped they now realise their error.
He further argued that those who supported Hathurusinghe's return mistakenly believed he was solely responsible for the team's previous successes. Faruque believes that cricket success is a collective effort involving players, coaches, the selection committee, and board officials, rather than the work of one individual.