Samaraweera not to continue as batting consultant

The BCB will not extend Thilan Samaraweera's contract as Bangladesh's batting consultant beyond the Champions Trophy, the board's chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury has said. Samaraweera was appointed in September last year and was given an extension till the Champions Trophy this year, but the board decided not to continue with him any more.

"We had a contract with him till the Champions Trophy, so now we have parted ways," Chowdhury told ESPNcricinfo.

The BCB is already looking for a new batting consultant, and among the names being discussed is former Australian first-class cricketer and coach Mark O'Neill. They could also be looking for a new physio if the incumbent Thihan Chandramohan does not report back to duty soon. According to Chowdhury, Chandramohan met with an accident earlier this month, causing him to miss the start of the training camp on July 10.

"We have been communicated that he (Thihan Chandramohan) was in an accident so it was impossible for him to join the training camp," Chowdhury said. "He is in hospital so we will wait for the appropriate time for him to join. We will have to look for a new physio only when he informs us whether he is unable to join the team."

Chandramohan had joined the Bangladesh team during the Sri Lanka tour before his stint was extended till the Champions Trophy in June.