"It was an unprecedented event" - Head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe shaken by recent protests and violence in Bangladesh
Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe said that his prayers and thoughts are towards the protesters seeking whatever they want. With the Tigers set to play a two-Test series against Pakistan, the former Sri Lankan cricketer hopes to give some joy to the Bangladeshi people back home.
Tension has increased manifold over the last two or three weeks in Bangladesh as student protests have lead to violence, arson and destruction of property. It has also resulted in the fall of the government as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Hathurasinghe reflected on the protests, noting how unprecedented the happenings in the country have been.
"I mean, my thoughts and prayers are with the family of those who lost their loved ones. It was really hard. … I think, I hope the students' questions will be answered.
"It was an unprecedented event. I hope that the country will come to normalcy soon. It was very difficult. We know that sport has a real power to unite and give hope to the people."
Hathurusinghe went on to reflect on his contract as Bangladesh coach, claiming that he will accept whatever the board's decision will be.
"I don't know what's happening back home. I have signed a contract till whatever the date.
"I am looking forward to serve the term. If the board changes, and the new people want to make a change, I am okay with that. If they want to continue with me, I am happy to continue."
Hathurasinghe was appointed in the role by the BCB in February 2023 and is slated to stay on till the end of the 2025 Champions Trophy. Nevertheless, Bangladesh's results under him have been shaky, headlined by group-stage exits in Asia Cup 2023, 2023 World Cup and T20 World Cup 2024.
"I hope the pitches in Pakistan generally favour batting" - Chandika Hathurusinghe
Hathurusinghe compared the pitches in Bangladesh and Pakistan, reflecting how the surfaces are quite result-oriented back home. He said:
"Batting has been a concern for a while, but not for one reason. We play in result-oriented wickets back home. Sometimes 250 is a winning score in those pitches.
"Obviously, when you play on these pitches, the batters have a tough time. I hope the pitches in Pakistan generally favour batting. It is a good contest between bat and ball. We will show better result on these pitches."
The first Test between the two sides commences on August 21 in Rawalpindi.