Chandika Hathurusingha is reportedly all set to become the next head coach of Sri Lanka. According to reports in Cricbuzz, a prominent Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Official has confirmed the proceedings, stating that the former Test cricketer is likely to take charge after the ongoing series in India.
The official revealed that Hathurusingha would arrive in Colombo next week, following which the subsequent actions will be taken.
“We are happy that everything is working out well. He will arrive in Colombo next week and we can take things forward once he comes,” the official told the news outlet. “The Ex-Co approved his engagement and we have now sent the draft of the contract to his lawyers. We are almost through and we are delighted,” the official added.
The latest developments will be a huge blow to Bangladesh Cricket Board’s hopes of convincing Hathurusingha to extend his spell with the national team. The 49-year old had submitted his resignation to the Bangladesh Cricket Board in October, but the BCB was reportedly desperate to have him on the board till the 2019 World Cup.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka are without a head coach since Graham Ford quit in June and are now looking set to secure the services of their ‘A’ team coach. Meanwhile, if Hathurusingha signs the contract in the coming days, his first assignment as Sri Lanka head coach will be against Bangladesh next year.
Hathurusingha has enhanced his reputations with a stellar work for Bangladesh. During his tenure which lasted over three years, he guided Bangladesh to the quarter-final of the 2015 World Cup and the semi-final of the 2017 Champions Trophy in addition to ODI series wins over India, Pakistan and South Africa. In Tests, Bangladesh registered their first-ever wins against England and Australia at home, and against Sri Lanka away.
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