According to reports, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has suspended head coach Chandika Hathurusingha “on disciplinary grounds”. This came in the aftermath of a BCB investigation after Nasum Ahmed accused Hathurusingha of “inappropriate behaviour” during the 2023 World Cup. Nasum had accused Hathurusingha of slapping him.

“There were a few incidents that, as a former cricketer, were painful for me. Considering everything, we have issued a show-cause notice and suspended him from his role as coach,” BCB president Faruque Ahmed told the media in a press conference. “After 48 hours, we will proceed with his dismissal. The harassment of a cricketer was one of the reasons. Additionally, taking leave without permission is another issue.”

Faruque Ahmed also confirmed that Phil Simmons, former West Indies cricketer and former coach of several national teams, will take over as head coach until the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Hathurusingha had returned for a second stint as head coach on January 31, 2023. During his stint, Bangladesh had disastrous outings at the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup, but famously swept Pakistan 2-0 on Pakistan soil. He had served in the same role between May 2014 and November 2017, and had a stint as the head coach of Sri Lanka’s, his home country, in the interim period.

More to follow

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