Steve Rhodes likely to become next Bangladesh coach

The Bangladesh cricket team has been without a coach ever since their shambolic tour of South Africa last year. The team played a T20I, ODI and a Test series and were thrashed black and blue in all three formats by the Proteas. Subsequently, Chandika Hathurasingha stepped down as the coach with immediate effect and the management has been straining since then.

However, their wait seems to be over as Steve Rhodes, the former English wicketkeeper-batsman is likely to be appointed as their new head coach. The 53-year old recently expressed his eagerness to take up the job. Nevertheless, he also mentioned that his inclusion hasn’t yet been confirmed.

“Steve Rhodes is in our shortlist”- BCB Chairman

“I can confirm I’ve had talks with Bangladesh. And I can confirm I’m interested in what I think is a really prestigious role. But nothing is confirmed at this stage and nobody should jump the gun and presume it is,” Rhodes was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

It has also been learned that Gary Kirsten, who was selected as the consultant to help them to churn out coaches, has recommended Rhodes’ name. Nizamuddin Chowdhury, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), iterated that Rhodes’ has more experience than the other shortlisted coaches, which gave him an edge over the other candidates.

“Steve Rhodes is in our shortlist as a head coach. We are hoping that he will meet us in Dhaka in a couple of days. We shared our tentative candidates list with Gary Kirsten so this is a joint effort. The list is made up of his recommendations and our list, which is why Rhodes is coming this week,” Chowdhury remarked.

Bangladesh are currently playing in a three-match T20I series versus Afghanistan at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Dehradun. They lost their first match and will be keen to stage a comeback to stay alive in the tournament.

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