By a Staff Reporter
Kathmandu – Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has appointed Pubudu Dassanayake as the head of the national cricket team of Nepal. This is the second time Dassanayake is taking charge of the national cricket team.
Nepal had achieved historic feat in international cricket from 2011 to 2015 under the guidance of Dassanayake. The national team of Nepal coached by Dassanayake had participated in the 2014 T20 World Cup for the first time in history. It was the highest-ever honours Nepal had ever achieved. Nepal also won the titles of ICC World Cricket League Division Four and Three under his leadership.
He had stepped down from his role as Nepal’s coach in November 2015 reportedly due to the internal conflict of CAN. Now, Dassanayake’s main challenge will be the 2022 T20 World Cup. Another challenge is to maintain Nepal’s ODI status after 2023. The post of chief coach of Nepali cricket team was vacant since Dav Whatmore stepped down in late August.
Altogether 60 aspirants had submitted applications for the post. India’s Monty Desai was considered the favourite candidate to get selected for the job. Among the applicants were coaches who were senior to Dassanayake and more experienced. However, CAN decided to pick Dassanayake in the last moment. The five main reasons for CAN to select Dassanayake are as follows:
5. Long-term plan
The last two coaches did not last for even a year. Indian Umesh Patwal and Australian Dav Whatmore took charge of the national cricket team of Nepal for eight months each. It is difficult for players to adapt to the frequent change of coaches. Therefore, CAN opted for Dassanayake as a long-term solution to the problem. There is less chance for Dassanayake to leave Nepal and opt for coaching role elsewhere since he hasn’t led any national team for the last two years.
Had Monty been appointed head coach of Nepal, there were speculations that he wouldn’t have remained here for long. The term of batting coach of West Indies is coming to an end this month. As Monty is a high-profile coach, he was likely to opt for better option than Nepal had he received any better offer. However, Dassanayake is less likely to receive such offers.
4. Lack of agreement with Monty
Monty Desai was the first choice of CAN. Nepal was keen to appoint Desai, who is currently the batting coach of West Indies. However, Desai had asked for a long break with the intention of overseeing a franchise during the Indian Premier League. However, CAN was not willing to give him a long break. On the other hand, he had asked for a salary of over US$ 15,000. Dassanayake agreed to the terms for a fee of US$ 12,000. Therefore, CAN decided to opt for Dassanayake.
3. Successful image of Dassanayake
Dassanayake is the most successful coach in the history of Nepali cricket. Nepal had featured in the 2014 T20 World Cup under his guidance. It was the biggest-ever achievement of Nepal. During his tenure, Dassanayake had brought a revolutionary change in the cricket team of Nepal. However, Dassanayake could not work as per his plans back then. This time, CAN is in the mood to work as per his plan. CAN wants to achieve the same success with Dassanayake as in the past.
2. Good knowledge about Nepali cricket
Among the applicants, Dassanayake was the most-informed coaches about Nepali cricket. Dassanayake enjoys a good bond with players, audience as well as CAN. As he is close to players, it is easier for him to make plans accordingly. It takes almost two to three months for a new coach just to understand the relationship between the players and the game and adjust to the situation.
Nepal does not have that much time as the country is taking part in the global T20 qualifiers. Nepal’s preparations for the qualifiers is almost zero. CAN wants to start preparations as soon as Dassanayake arrives in Nepal. Therefore, the officials decided to appoint him to the post.
1. Unity in the team
The main reason for CAN to appoint Dassanayake is to end groupism among the Nepali cricket team. Of late, the national cricket team of Nepal is plagued by this problem. Even the players of the senior team are divided into different groups. Cricket is a team game where unity is vital. However, that is what the national cricket team of Nepal is missing. Nepal’s loss to weaker teams such as Singapore, Qatar and Malaysia is believed to be a result of lack of unity.
It is difficult for a new coach to end groupism within the national team. Therefore, it was essential to appoint someone who knows the Nepali cricket team very well. Although CAN wanted to appoint someone else, it decided to appoint Dassanayake as the office bearers found him best suited for the job.
