Sydney Thunder Head Coach and NSW Blues Assistant Coach, Chandika Hathurusinghe is to depart the club to take up the head coaching role with Bangladesh.

The 45 year-old, who took over as Head Coach of the Thunder last season, has been offered a major opportunity to coach at full International level, after previously being an Assistant Coach of the Sri Lankan side.

Hathurusinghe, who performed the role of Assistant Coach of the NSW Blues under Anthony Stuart, took over the Acting Head Coach role in December 2012, when Stuart was released.

He led the NSW Blues in the second half of 2012-13, before being offered the Head Coach role with the Sydney Thunder last season.

Hathurusinghe had a positive influence on the Thunder, forming an excellent partnership with captain Mike Hussey, and making the side extremely competitive throughout the season, culminating in a victory over the Melbourne Renegades in the Thunder’s penultimate match.

Thunder General Manager Nick Cummins praised Hathurusinghe’s work, while acknowledging the opportunity it now presented the Thunder: “I must thank Chandika for the dedication and commitment to detail that he put in with the Sydney Thunder last season. He is an excellent coach who has received a tremendous opportunity to take on a role at International level. With his departure comes opportunity and we will be conducting a world-wide search to find the best possible replacement to take on the role. We are speaking with some high profile players at the moment and finding the best possible coach to work with them will be a priority.”

Cricket New South Wales, CEO Andrew Jones was also delighted at the opportunity that had presented itself to Hathurusinghe: “Obviously, we are sorry to lose someone of Chandika’s ability, but it is a great opportunity for him and a great recognition of his skills and personal qualities. He has done an outstanding job with both the NSW Blues and the Thunder, and I am delighted that his ability will be given an opportunity on a global stage.”