Walsh named Bangladesh interim coach

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have announced former West Indies seamer Courtney Walsh as interim coach for the upcoming T20 tri-series in Sri Lanka.

Walsh has been the Tigers’ fast bowling coach since early 2016 but has been tasked with the head coaching role for the T20 series next month that will also involve India.

Bangladesh are still searching for a coach on a full-time basis after Chandika Hathurusingha resigned in October to take over the coaching role with Sri Lanka.

Walsh said: “We have a very testing tour coming up in Sri Lanka. As one who likes to accept challenges, it is important to play quality and consistent cricket.

“I am happy to be given the opportunity to do so. I will give it the best shot and ensure we play good positive cricket.”

Meanwhile the BCB have announced a 16-man squad for the tri-series that includes captain Shakib Al Hasan despite the allrounder being a doubt due to finger injury.

Shakib missed the two T20Is at home against Sri Lanka earlier this month but has been passed fit for the tour.

There several changes to the side that lost both matches against Sri Lanka at home with fast bowler Taskin Ahmed and off-spinner Mehidy Hasan returning to the squad.

Those missing out were Zakir Hasan, Afif Hossain, Mohammad Mithun, Mahedi Hasan and Mohammad Saifuddin.

Chief selector Minhajul Abedin said: “We are still not up to the mark in T20s.

“We want to prepare an 18-member pool for the 2020 World T20s, which is why we picked some of them in the home series [earlier this month] after they did well in the BPL.”

Bangladesh T20 squad: Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Mahmudullah, Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Imrul Kayes, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Sabbir Rahman, Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Abu Hider, Abu Jayed, Ariful Haque, Nazmul Islam, Nurul Hasan, Mehidy Hasan