Hashan Tillakaratne steps down as head coach after Bangladesh fail to secure a direct World Cup qualification

Following Bangladesh women’s cricket team’s recent tour of the West Indies, head coach Hashan Tillakaratne has stepped down from his position.

The West Indies trip was Tillakaratne’s last assignment after he was appointed in October 2022. His original two-year contract was supposed to expire in 2024, but it was extended till the West Indies tour. Bangladesh lost the T20I series 3-0 and the ODI series 2-1 during this tour, suffering a series loss in both formats.

Hashan Tillakaratne steps down as head coach after Bangladesh fail to secure a direct World Cup qualification
Hashan Tillakaratne steps down as head coach after Bangladesh fail to secure a direct World Cup qualification

It is understood that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) too were not keen on handing Tillakaratne another extension and were looking for alternatives. However, mid-series, Tillakaratne confirmed to the BCB that isn’t “willing to continue anymore.”

Habibul Bashar, the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s women’s wing in-charge, confirmed Tillakaratne’s departure, stating, “During the tour of West Indies, he informed us that he is not willing to continue anymore.”

Alongside notable victories in bilateral series, Tillakaratne’s Bangladesh women’s team entered two T20 World Cups but only managed only a win, underscoring difficulties on the international front.

According to the BCB, Sarowar Imran, the current head coach of the Women’s U-19 squad, is a strong contender for the position as they want a local to oversee the sport. Bangladesh’s prospects of earning direct qualifying for the 2025 ODI World Cup have also been impacted by their recent defeats to the West Indies. With only two spots left for the main tournament, the team must now contend with qualifying matches against the West Indies, Pakistan, Ireland, Scotland, and Thailand.

Tillakaratne had some noteworthy accomplishments, such as securing a draw against a full-strength India side in 2023 and a historic series victory against Pakistan at home. Throughout his tenure, Tillakaratne assisted the side in achieving competitive outcomes in away games, helping Bangladesh win a T20I match in Sri Lanka and an ODI and T20I in South Africa and also secured their first-ever win against West Indies in 2025.

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During his tenure, Tillakaratne worked to improve the Bangladesh women’s cricket team’s standing. With his departure, the team embarks on a new chapter as they get ready for future challenges and try to guarantee their spot in the 2025 ODI World Cup.

(Inputs sourced from Cricbuzz)

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