Islamabad, Oct 16: Bangladesh Suspends Head Coach Hathurusingha Following Player Assault Allegations
The Sri Lankan’s suspension comes in the wake of growing accusations of misconduct, which include missing numerous training sessions in violation of his contract and a rumored physical incident with one of his own players.
Since February 2023, Chandika Hathurusingha has served as Bangladesh’s coach for the second time. Following a 48-hour suspension, his contract will be terminated. The 53-year-old has additionally received a show-cause notice from the BCB.
In the meanwhile, BCB did not spend any time in appointing former West Indies coach Phil Simmons to lead the national team in an acting capacity. Simmons will serve in this role until February, when the 2025 Champions Trophy is scheduled.
“This decision has been made due to Hathurusingha’s misconduct on two counts,” BCB President Faruque Ahmed said in a statement to the media. His behavior is not up to the standards that our coaching staff is expected to meet.
Hathurusingha recently guided Bangladesh to a historic 2-0 triumph in the Test series against Pakistan earlier in the year, but the team’s lackluster results in important competitions had cast doubt on his leadership.
Hathurusingha’s leadership has come under fire after Bangladesh failed to impress in the ODI World Cup held last year and the most recent T20 World Cup, which was co-hosted by the Caribbean and the USA.
Following Bangladesh’s disastrous tour of India, in which the side lost 2-0 in the Test series and 3-0 in the Twenty20 Internationals, calls for his dismissal grew louder.
While Chandika Hathurusingha hunts for a new gig, Simmons will be hoping to get his team ready for the impending visit of the Proteas for a two-test match series beginning November 21.
