Former South Africa opener Neil McKenzie has stepped down from the role of Bangladesh National team’s batting coach due to family reasons, a Bangladesh Cricket Board media release confirmed on Friday.
BCB chief executive officer Nizamuddin Chowdhury said McKenzie’s decision was largely influenced by the current global situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as he wanted to stay close to his family during this crisis period.
‘Neil has informed us that he was unable to continue as the Bangladesh batting coach as in the changed world scenario it was important for him to stay close to the family in South Africa,’ Nizamuddin was quoted saying in the media release.
‘His departure is disappointing for Bangladesh cricket but we respect and understand his reasons,’ he added.
The former South Africa batsman had been working with the Tigers for two years after joining the support staff during the tour of West Indies in July 2018 and created a positive impact.
McKenzie was well liked by the players and many credited him for the batters improved performance in the 2019 ICC World Cup in England.
BCB respected his decision and wished him success for his entire future endeavour.
‘He has been a much admired coach here and I wish to thank him for the work he has put in with the Bangladeshi batsmen, especially in white ball cricket where the progress has been evident. On behalf of the BCB, I wish him the very best,’ Nizamuddin said.
McKenzie also found it difficult to part ways from the role and hoped to involve himself with Bangladesh cricket once again in the future.
‘It is difficult to leave a role which I have thoroughly enjoyed. From the very beginning I have been made to feel a part of the team and I am going with happy memories.
‘I will continue to follow the team and the wonderful players I have had the pleasure of working with and hope to involve myself with Bangladesh cricket again when circumstances permit,’ McKenzie said.
McKenzie’s contract with BCB had already ended but both parties working on a contract extension and were close to finalising it, Nizamuddin told on Friday.
McKenzie was offered to work with the red-ball team, along with the shorter formats and he was interested to take the job before the COVID-19 pandemic.
But after the outbreak he only wanted to work with the either white or red-ball team to spend more time with his family but the board didn’t take up on his offer.
‘Before the COVID-19 outbreak, he agreed to work with us in all formats. But in the changed circumstances, with new COVID-19 protocols, he informed us recently that it was getting really difficult for him,’ said Nizamuddin.
‘He would have to come 14 days earlier now and had to spend even more time in Bangladesh away from his family, which was no longer possible for him. So he wanted to work in either red-ball or white-ball cricket. But we felt that it was better to discontinue the arrangement with him.’ -new age
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