Whether Bangladesh could appoint a head coach before the home series in January is still in uncertain state, but the board is all set to name a batting consultant ahead of the team’s next international assignment.

According to BCB president Nazmul Hassan Papon, the batting consultant is a top class name in the international cricket but he chose to keep the name secret for the time being.

The BCB chief also revealed that they have been in touch with Garry Kirsten, the former World Cup winner coach of India and a great opener of South Africa during his era, but Kirsten will work here at the capacity of consultant for not only national team but also the aged level team, if he finally accepts BCB’s proposal. If everything goes according to the plan, Kirsten may come here after February, Papon said.

“Our talk with Kirsten is going on, but we are not hiring him as a head coach. He will work here as a consultant, not only for the national team but also he will look after everything of the Bangladesh cricket,” Papon told the reporters yesterday.

“But Kirsten will not be available before February. However we are trying to appoint a batting consultant before this series. He is top class but I can’t announce his name at the moment.”

Even though Papon didn’t disclose the name in the press conference, The Independent understands, the batting consultant is former South African batsman Neil McKenzie who is believed to accept the proposal and will land in Bangladesh shortly.

“We know Kirsten had already joined a franchise of IPL. But according to our criteria, head coach will work only with the national team. But we need a consultant who would look after everything. So Kirsten fits here. If he comes after February we’ll talk about it in details. We’ll try to get his service in six months of the year.”

The BCB boss however reiterated that they are not in a hurry to appoint a coach.

“Bangladesh are in such stage that we can’t take any decision hurriedly. Appointing a coach is tougher now than the past. Last time Bangladesh were in perpetual failure but this time the team has been in winning mode. So we’ve to think a lot of things.”

“The matter of head coach is yet to be finalised. But we have been in a talk with some coaches. We have already taken the opinion of our current coaching staffs and senior players about the head coach,” he informed.

“Two coaches had already given their interview. There are also some people in the consideration. But as I said earlier, we are not in a hurry. We are capable of managing the upcoming series with our own resources.”

Papon also said that the team has been in a good shape and for new players, it would be tough to replace some one in the team at the moment.

“We have got some brilliant players –like Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Abu Jayed Rahi, Afif Hossain and others. But look the team is absolutely settled. They have to go through lot of competition and keep the consistency.”

The BCB boss showed their interest to host the Asia Cup once again if India refuses.

“As of now, there is no sign that India is refusing to host the tournament. If they host, then it’s okay. If they don’t host, and we are offered, we’ll gladly accept it.”