Chandika Hathurusinghe has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the Bangladesh national cricket team by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, due to alleged misconduct that occurred during the 2023 ODI World Cup. The board has temporarily suspended him for 48 hours as part of the notice period, after which his termination will take effect. Concurrently, the board has also issued a show-cause notice regarding his behavior. In response to this leadership gap, Phil Simmons has been appointed as the interim head coach, a role he will fulfill until the Champions Trophy scheduled for early 2025.
The misconduct attributed to Hathurusinghe involves two significant concerns raised by the board's president, Faruque Ahmed. The first allegation pertains to an incident where Hathurusinghe allegedly assaulted a player during a drinks break in a match against New Zealand in Chennai. The player, who was apparently tardy in delivering drinks to his teammates, reportedly drew Hathurusinghe's ire, leading to an improper physical response. Eyewitness accounts of this incident were later communicated to senior officials of the Bangladesh Cricket Board in Kolkata, approximately two weeks after it took place, but no immediate action was undertaken at that time.
Furthermore, the head coach’s conduct as an employee has been scrutinized, particularly regarding his excessive use of leave days. Contractual obligations stipulate that Hathurusinghe could take a maximum of 45 days off per year. Contrarily, it has been reported that he availed himself of 112 days of leave in 2023 alone, and an additional 59 days so far in 2024. Such extensive absenteeism has contributed significantly to the decision to terminate his employment.
On the day that the announcement was made, BCB’s chief executive, Nizamuddin Chowdhury, formally conveyed the board's decision to Hathurusinghe at Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. The board's president articulated that several incidents concerning Hathurusinghe were troubling, particularly from his perspective as a former player. By taking decisive steps, the BCB aims to set a standard of conduct that aligns with the values they wish to instill in the Bangladesh team. Issues of player treatment and adherence to professional decorum are paramount, and such behavior is considered unacceptable.
Faruque Ahmed emphasized the seriousness of the situation by underlining that the incident concerning player mistreatment needed to be addressed to maintain the integrity of the team environment. He elected not to disclose the name of the involved player, citing that the individual was uncomfortable with the spotlight. Ahmed acknowledges that while one can understand how such behaviors may occur under pressure, there are lines that cannot be crossed, especially in a professional sport.
Ahmed mentioned that upon assuming office, he took steps to investigate the matter personally, speaking to the alleged victim, as well as eyewitnesses. This thorough investigation led to the report which informed the decisions made by the board. He expressed disappointment about the delayed response to the incident, indicating that stricter measures ought to have been taken earlier. The guiding principles laid out by the International Cricket Council on issues of player safety are becoming more stringent, exemplifying the requisite seriousness regarding cases of assault.
Hathurusinghe’s coaching tenure with Bangladesh had begun in February 2023, marking his return for a second term after an earlier stint. Despite moments of success, including Bangladesh's historic Test series victory against Pakistan, the overall performance during major tournaments like the ODI World Cup has been disappointing. The national team faced significant challenges, such as defeats in Tests and T20 series against India, raising questions about the coaching effectiveness and its impact on player morale.
In light of Hathurusinghe’s departure, Phil Simmons has been brought in as an interim head coach, a decision that has received affirmation from the board. Simmons has accumulated a wealth of experience coaching various national and franchise teams. His tenure will begin with an upcoming Test series against South Africa, and he will remain in charge until the Champions Trophy takes place in February 2025. During this period, Bangladesh is also scheduled to engage in an ODI series against Afghanistan, as well as a comprehensive fixture contingent in the West Indies.
Simmons4 appointment marks a strategic move to reinvigorate the team's dynamics and performance, leveraging his proven track record in international cricket coaching. His experience with different cricketing nations and involvement with notable franchises in leagues globally positions him well to guide the Bangladesh team through upcoming challenges. The BCB has expressed confidence in Simmons's ability to provide the necessary leadership and strategic direction as Bangladesh navigates through this transitional phase.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board's decisive action underscores its commitment to maintaining professionalism and addressing misbehavior within its ranks seriously. While challenges remain, the board’s ability to respond effectively to incidents of misconduct and to bring in experienced leadership could prove vital in redefining the team's path forward.