Law to step down as Bangladesh coach in June

Dhaka, April 16 (IANS) Former Australian batsman Stuart Law announced Monday that he would quit as the Bangladesh head coach after his contract expires in June.

Law will step down after nine months in the job, citing family reasons.

"It is with great regret and a heavy heart that today I announce my stepping down as the head coach of Bangladesh," Law was quoted as saying by ESPN Cricinfo.

He said he will move back to Australia after two and a half years in the subcontinent, which included a coaching stint with Sri Lanka.

"Living away from the family and not seeing people growing up, I think we all understand that family comes first," he said. "Cricket has been a huge part of my life but over the years I have realised that there is nothing more important than the family and if they are not happy then I am not happy and something had to give."

Law led Bangladesh to memorable victories over India and Sri Lanka on their way to the Asia Cup final, which they they narrowly lost against Pakistan.

Bangladesh's swashbuckling opener Tamim Iqbal was taken aback by Law's announcement but said that he respected his decision as family came first.

"I'm completely taken by surprise. But family comes first," Tamim told ESPNcricinfo.