DHAKA: South African great Gary Kirsten, who coached India to World Cup success, said on Tuesday he is helping rudderless Bangladesh quickly to find a coach ahead of a looming tour.

Bangladesh have not had a coach since Sri Lankan Chandika Hathurusingha stepped down in October after a successful three-year stint.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has appointed Kirsten as a consultant to help find a coach before a tour of the West Indies in July and August.

Kirsten arrived in Bangladesh on Sunday and has already met players, BCB officials, selectors and local coaches.

“I know Chandika did a great job with the team. I just want to understand what that was about and what made the team do well in that time,” said Kirsten, 50.

“Hopefully in a couple of weeks I will have someone in place to take the team forward.”

Under Hathurusingha, Bangladesh reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2015 and the Cham­pions Trophy semi-finals in England last year.

Bangladesh also won ODI series against Pakistan, India and South Africa and defeated Sri Lanka, England and Australia in Tests.

Kirsten, who represented South Africa in 101 Tests and 185 ODIs before coaching the Proteas and India, said he could remain linked to Bangladesh “through to the World Cup” in England next year.

Kirsten, who guided India to World Cup success in 2011, said: “I have no doubt that the team can compete at the highest level.

“And I think there is every intention to set some lofty goals in terms of what they want to do over the next 18 months or so.”

Published in Dawn, May 23rd, 2018

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
Updated 29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

It is clear that going after militant groups inside Afghanistan unilaterally presents its own set of difficulties.
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...