Hannan Sorkar has resigned from his position as a national team selector to return to coaching. He now aims to prepare himself for his dream of joining the national team coaching staff.
Although he has been part of the national selection committee for less than a year and has enjoyed the role, Hannan sees other possibilities for his future. Having served as a selector for age-based cricket for eight years, he has decided to step down and pursue coaching, his former profession.
Hannan, who joined the national selection committee on March 1, 2023, will complete his tenure this month.
After serving as a selector, Hannan wants to focus on coaching and make it his career. The 42-year-old former opener told bdnews24.com that this idea has been on his mind for a long time.
“After returning from the Under-19 World Cup in South Africa in January last year, I had already planned to return to coaching. I had written to the BCB, and it was nearly finalized. But then the offer to join the national selection committee came, and I thought I had been a junior selector for eight years, so why not try for the national team.”
“I’ve done this role for a year, and everything was going well with the team. But now I feel this isn’t a long-term career. Maybe I can stay for four or five years, but after that, I would need to think about something else. I’d rather start that thought process now rather than waiting four years.”
The role of a national selector is attractive and prestigious in Bangladesh, but it comes with its challenges. Hannan is more interested in returning to the grassroots of cricket.
“Being a national selector is definitely an attractive and honorable position, but you can’t do this for honor alone. If you stay too long, even the respect fades.”
“I believe I can do better in coaching with my skills. During my time as a selector, I worked with players, and it made me realize that I should focus on the future. I feel I could contribute more by working on the field instead of sitting in an AC room.”
Before retiring as a player, Hannan completed the BCB Level 1 and Level 2 coaching courses in 2010 and 2011. He played 17 Tests and 20 ODIs for Bangladesh and later worked as a coach in domestic cricket. He served as an assistant coach for Duronto Rajshahi in the first two seasons of the BPL and later worked for Rajshahi Kings, Abahani Limited, and Sheikh Jamal DC in the Dhaka Premier League.
Next month, he plans to begin his new coaching journey in the Dhaka Premier League.
“I want to start with the Premier League. Talks are ongoing with three teams, but I’m not finalizing anything yet. The composition of the team will influence my decision. After so long, I must be cautious while choosing a team.”
His main goal is to work as a coach with the Bangladesh Cricket Board. The recent increased respect for domestic coaches has motivated him to step away from the national selection committee.
“My desire is to work with the cricket board. If they are interested, I will discuss further. If not, I’ll have to look at other options. I’ll still be with the selection panel for this month and may finalize my next step.”
“The BCB has changed its perspective on local coaches. They are valuing domestic coaches more now. If I can work with the board, I hope to contribute positively.”
Hannan hopes to see himself as part of the national team coaching staff one day and is taking steps to prepare for that dream.
“When a player reaches a certain level, they aspire to play for the national team. Similarly, as a coach, I want to work at the top level in Bangladesh. To do that, I need to prepare myself thoroughly. How much I can grow and how much I can help players will determine how far I can go. Eventually, I aim to work with the national team, but I need to make sure I am ready for that.”
Reflecting on his nine years of experience as a selector for junior and national teams, Hannan spoke about his greatest achievements.
“Being part of Bangladesh’s historic Under-19 World Cup win in 2020 was one of the greatest honors. I also had the privilege of bringing home the first title in the Under-19 Asia Cup as a selector. These are two of my proudest moments.”
