Bangladesh keen on hiring Gary Kirsten as their consultant
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) are in talks with former SA player Gary Kirsten to hire him as a consultant for the national cricket team. The Tigers have been on the hunt for a head coach since October last year, after former Sri Lankan opener Upul Chandika Hathurusingha stepped down from the post. Upul Chandika had served as the Bangladesh coach from 2014 till 2017.
Kirsten to be given consultant's role
However, despite not having a head coach for a while now, BCB spokesperson Jalal Yunus said the former South African batsman has been offered a consultant's position and not of a head coach. Gary Kirsten is currently in charge of Virat Kohli led Royal Challengers Bangalore. Indian Premier League 2018 is scheduled to kick off from April 7.
BCB hope to strike deal post IPL
"He is on our list but he will come only as a team consultant. It's not final, though. Hopefully, we will be able to strike a deal after the Indian Premier League," BCB spokesperson Jalal Yunus said.
Kirsten led India to World Cup glory in 2011
The former South African batsman, who played 101 Test matches and 185 ODIs for the Proteas, led India to World Cup glory as the coach in 2011. He also had a stint with the South African national team as their coach. The BCB wants to appoint a separate head coach even if they get Kirsten on board.
Kirsten's role will not be limited to senior team
"If he agrees, he will also work with the Under-19 and the A-team and give us advice about cricket structure. He will not always be with the team, he will deal with separate issues, work with development squads like what Eddie Barlow did." Yunus concluded.
Neil McKenzie can be roped in as batting consultant
Bangladesh recently lost the Nidahas Trophy Twenty20 Tri-series final to India. Former West Indies great Courtney Walsh was signed as an interim head coach for the short series. It has also been reported that the Bangladesh Cricket Board are in talks with former South African batsman Neil McKenzie for the post of the batting consultant.
