BCB in talks with Kirsten as Tigers' consultant

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is now looking for a long-term consultant as BCB President Nazmul Hassan Papon said on Wednesday, reports UNB.

"We are on the back foot, that's for sure... Bangladesh has reached a level which requires us to be thoughtful about bringing a quality coach. Not much chance of a trial and error; we cannot change much in our team. We are not in any hurry," Papon was talking to journalists at his Beximco office, Dhanmondi in the capital.

He also said the board is at an advanced stage of talks with Gary Kirsten for a wide-ranging consultancy role, and days away from signing a new batting consultant for the senior side. Kirsten is a former South African cricketer, mainly as an opening batsman, and the World Cup winning coach of the Indian cricket team. He has played 101 Tests and 185 ODIs for South Africa between 1993 and 2004.

Papon said they are closing in on the deal with Kirsten. "At this point, both sides are interested in the [consultancy] role. He is probably coming after February."

Kirsten was among the big-name coaching candidates linked to the role of the head coach as well, but Papon said they are in talks with him about a more short-term role as he has two other coaching contracts in the IPL - he is likely to link up with Royal Challengers Bangalore - and the Big Bash League.