BCB sack Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha on 'disciplinary grounds' for allegedly slapping a player; replacement announced

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Dhaka, Oct 15: Bangladesh Cricket Board on Tuesday (October 15) sacked head coach Chandika Hathurusingha immediately on disciplinary grounds.

As per reports, the decision came in the aftermath of a BCB investigation after Bangladesh cricketer Nasum Ahmed accused Hathurusingha of "inappropriate behaviour" during the ICC ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 in India. Nasum had accused Hathurusingha of slapping him.

BCB president, Faruque Ahmed told reporters at a press conference, "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."

"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," Ahmed added.

Meanwhile, as per ESPNcrinfo's report, former West Indies cricketer Phil Simmons, who has worked as coach of several national teams in the past, will take over as head coach of the Bangladesh cricket team until the 2025 Champions Trophy.

On January 31, 2023, Sri Lankan Hathurusingha returned for a second stint as head coach of the Bangla Tigers. During his watch, Bangladesh failed to perform well in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the T20 World Cup 2024. However, under his stint, the team swept the Test series 2-0 in Pakistan.

However, after the highs of Pakistan, the Bangladesh cricket team were whitewashed by India in an embarrassing Test and T20I series. India thrashed Najmul Hossain Shanto's side 2-0 in Tests and 3-0 in T20Is as the neighbours failed to put up a fight on the challenging tour.

56-year-old Hathurusingha's contract with the BCB was to expire after the 2025 Champions Trophy. He will therefore not be present with the team for the upcoming two-match Test series at home against South Africa. The former Sri Lankan coach (interim) served as Bangladesh coach between May 2014 and November 2017.