DHAKA: Janak Gamage, the former Sri Lanka medium-pacer, has taken over as head coach of the Bangladesh women's team. 

Gamage, who represented Sri Lanka in four ODIs, played in the Dhaka League between 1987 and 2000. He returned to the country to coach Mohammedan in the Dhaka Premier Division League in 2006.

Gamage, who has accepted a one-year contract with the BCB, arrived in Dhaka on Thursday

"This is a country that holds magical memories for me," a BCB release quoted Gamage as saying. "I can speak the language and I have many friends in Bangladesh. I spent a significant portion of my career here playing club cricket. When I was here it was early days for Bangladesh cricket and it was a chance for players like me to come and contribute to the development of the game. Now we can see the progress that has been made and I am really looking forward to making another contribution in taking women's cricket forward, reports cricinfo.com

"The goal for me would be to try and improve our ICC ranking. I believe that with my local knowledge and coaching experience I will be able to make a positive impression."

BDST: 1558 HRS, AUG 29, 2014