Bangladesh Cricket Board Suspends Head Coach Chandika Hathurusingha

A significant development is that Chandika Hathurusingha, the head coach of Bangladesh, has been suspended from his position. On October 15, BCB president Faruque Ahmed made the announcement. Following Bangladesh's dismal performance against India in both the Test and T20I series, when they were thrashed, Hathurusingha's second spell came to an end. Bangladesh also did poorly in the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup during his tenure.

Hathurusingha has reportedly been punished for allegedly slapping a cricket player from Bangladesh at the 2023 World Cup in India, according to multiple reports. It is important to note that after Hathurusingha completes his ban, his contract will be cancelled. 

Bangladesh Cricket Controversy:

SLAPPED A PLAYER!

🎙️| BCB President: Chandika Hathurusingha has been suspended not because of the team’s performance, but for slappping a player during last ODI World Cup and for spending holidays more than that was mentioned in his contract.”

This is terrible. How can a coach… pic.twitter.com/YSs2brLXRR

— Saif Ahmed (@saifahmed75) October 15, 2024

Additionally, the BCB named Phil Simmons the team's temporary coach. He will serve as the team's coach for the ICC Champions Trophy matches against South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and the West Indies. The Daily Star cited Faruque Ahmed as saying, "Today, we suspended [Hathurusingha] from his position as head coach and gave him a showcase notice. We have decided to appoint an interim head coach for South Africa, UAE, West Indies, and ICC Champions Trophy." 

He further added, "Hathusingha's suspension will take effect immediately, and he has been instructed to respond to his show-cause letter within 48 hours. Phil Simmons has been designated the next interim head coach, and his contract will be suspended after that. "He'll keep working until the Champions Trophy."

Bangladesh will turn their attention to the forthcoming series against South Africa after losing the multi-format series to India. Two Test matches will pit the two teams against one another; the first Test will take place in Mirpur on October 21 and the second will start in Chattogram on October 29.

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