Russell Domingo steps down as Bangladesh head coach

Russell Domingo, who was in charge of the Bangladesh cricket team for over three years, has resigned with immediate effect. Domingo was supposed to serve as the head coach till the 2023 World Cup, but BCB's cricket operations chairman Jalal Yunus has confirmed that Domingo has left with immediate effect, just days after the Tigers’ 0-2 defeat at the hands of India.

"He( Domingo) sent his resignation letter yesterday (Tuesday) and that is with immediate effect," Cricbuzz quoted Jalal as saying.

The timing of Domingo’s resignation is curious, for it was only days ago that Jalal had told reporters that the BCB was looking for a coach ‘who has an impact and influence on the team’.

"We need a coach who has an impact and influence on the team," Jajal told reporters after the Dhaka Test. 

"You will soon see some changes. We are trying. We want a very strong team that can play quality and highly competitive team. We went close to beating India but it is tough to beat this team. We beat England and Australia in this ground, but India is a tougher side in these conditions.

"In the mainstream, motivation is important. We don't just want a good coach, but he has to be a mentor. There's less scope to teach them skills at this level, but the coach needs to review performances with the players after a series."

Domingo was appointed as the head coach of Bangladesh in September 2019. The then 45-year-old Domingo had succeeded Steve Rhodes, who was sacked post the 2019 World Cup.

Under Domingo, Bangladesh made big strides post the pandemic. They registered series wins against both Australia and New Zealand at home in T20Is last year, and also became the first team in five years to win a Test away in New Zealand. Earlier this year, they won an ODI series away in South Africa, while December witnessed them beating India in their own backyard, once again in the 50-over format. 

Currently, Bangladesh are fifth in the ODI Super League standings, having won 12/18 matches. They’ve already secured direct qualification for the 2023 World Cup in India.