Welcome Russell Domingo to Bangladesh

Russell Domingo. File Photo
Russell Domingo. File Photo

The Bangladesh national cricket team are facing a number of challenges, but the appointment of new coach Russell Domingo must have brought some relief. In the age of IPL and Big Bash, it is not always easy to find a full-time coach while many do not want to come here because of a number of reasons. Still the board has been successful in striking a deal with the South African in a short time, which is commendable, especially because the two-year deal was sealed before the upcoming Afghanistan and Zimbabwe series.

We welcome Russell Domingo to Bangladesh.

Domingo is taking the helm at a critical period for the Tigers. They went to the World Cup with high hopes, but they finished at a lowly eighth position and then were white-washed by Sri Lanka in an ODI series.

Even before the World Cup, the Tigers were enjoying a good run and being seen as a team capable to beat any team. Domingo's first challenge will be to bring back that form, leading the team to winning ways. He also needs to inspire the seniors to do better and make the young guns believe that they can also deliver and fill the boots of Mashrafe, Tamim and Shakib.

It is true that we had a disastrous World Cup campaign, but that is the way of life. In the game, we cannot always win. But when we get beaten we need to fight back. The whole country backs the cricketers, win or lose they love their Tigers.

But only players and fans cannot lead the team forward. Good governance has to be ensured, meaning the board and organisers need to shun personal or political interest for the betterment of the team. Especially, the local cricket has to be free from anomalies. The board cannot depend on a single person and the directors should have the guts to call a spade a spade.

In a while, some of the senior players will call it quits or go down the pecking order. Mashrafe Bin Mortaza for an example, is almost at the end of his career. Bangladesh cricket will miss him dearly, but the Tigers will have to keep going after the talisman's retire.

We need more good cricketers in the pipeline. We need to find gems during the local and age-level tournaments. The board has many coaches at the district and divisional level. They need to find our future Mustafiz, Soumya or Saifuddin. Domingo has previously worked with the young cricketers of South Africa. If we can utilise his experience and groom some players for the big stage, we will certainly do great in the 2023 World Cup.