Veteran local coach Sarwar Imran is all set to take over the responsibilities of Bangladesh national women's team, replacing former head coach Hashan Tillakaratne who left the side following the end of his contract earlier this month.

Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) women's wing head, Habibul Bashar, confirmed the development to The Daily Star on Monday, adding that the revered coach is expected to take charge of the Tigresses for the upcoming ICC Women's World Cup Qualifiers.

"He's most likely joining the team. No agreement has been signed yet. He is likely to be in charge until the World Cup Qualifiers at least. It is unlikely to get a different coach before the qualifying event," informed Basher.

Imran, who had been the head coach of Bangladesh men's team in their Test debut in 2000 and recently worked as the head coach of Bangladesh U-19 women's team during the ICC U-19 Women's T20 World Cup in Malaysia, was seen working with the women's batters during a practice session at the National Cricket Academy in Mirpur on Monday. BCB director and women's wing chairman, Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, was also present during the practice session.

Sarwar Imran with [R] Nazmul Abedeen Fahim. Photo: BCB

Earlier this month, Tillakaratne rendered his resignation to BCB following their arrival in the country at the end of their West Indies tour after being at the helm since October 2022.

Bangladesh lost both the ODI and T20I series by 2-1 and 3-0 margins, respectively, but due to their not winning the 50-over series, they failed to qualify directly for the main event of the ICC Women's World Cup, scheduled in India later this month. The eight-team qualifying event fixtures are yet to be revealed.