Coach Hathurusingha’s axing over alleged assault adds to list of controversies in Bangladesh cricket

Chandika Hathurusingha has been suspended as the head coach of the men’s national team over disciplinary issues by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), with the former Sri Lanka allrounder’s suspension expected to become permanent after 48 hours.

This marks the end of Hathurusingha’s tenure, as the board found itself grappling with not only performance-related concerns but also a severe breach of conduct involving the coach and a player during the 2023 ODI World Cup in India.

A disturbing incident

The most significant factor contributing to Hathurusingha’s dismissal was a physical and verbal altercation with a player during the 2023 World Cup. The exact details of the confrontation remain unclear, but BCB President Faruque Ahmed’s statements suggest that it was a troubling incident.

Bangladesh Cricket Board's president Faruque Ahmed attending his first board meeting at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on August 30.BCB

Faruque expressed his deep disappointment, stating that as a former player, the incident had a profound impact on him, and the assault was a breach of the values that should be upheld by the national team.

"It didn’t set a good example for the Bangladesh team," Faruque said on Tuesday. "The ICC is strict about racism and abuse. Assault is even more serious. You cannot hit a national player, no matter the circumstances."

A history of misconduct

The World Cup incident was not Hathurusingha’s only misstep. Another critical issue was his misuse of leave days. Faruque revealed that the Sri Lankan coach took more than three months of leave, well beyond what was stipulated in his contract, without proper communication with the board.

This showed a pattern of neglect in fulfilling his responsibilities. “It’s a serious breach,” Faruque said, further reinforcing the BCB’s decision to take strong action.

Despite his controversial tenure, Hathurusingha, who played 26 Tests and 35 ODIs for Sri Lanka, did manage some successes with the Bangladesh cricket team. The most notable was a 2-0 Test series win against Pakistan, marking their first overseas series victory in this format in 15 years.

However, this triumph was short-lived, as India then whitewashed Bangladesh at home in a two-match Test series and secured a clean sweep against captain Najmul Hossain Shanto's side in a three-match Twenty20 international series last week, eventually sealing Hathurusingha’s fate.

A troubling pattern in Bangladesh cricket

Hathurusingha’s misconduct isn’t an isolated incident in Bangladesh cricket, which has seen a disturbing number of controversies involving players and coaches in recent years.

Shakib Al Hasan, one of the world’s premier all-rounders and a central figure in Bangladesh cricket, has often found himself at the center of controversy. In May 2024, he made headlines when a video surfaced showing him assaulting a man who attempted to take a selfie with him.

Shakib grabbed the man by the neck in a heated reaction and even tried to snatch the phone away, a shocking display of aggression for a figure as influential as him. This incident was not an isolated one either, as Shakib has had prior episodes of losing his temper, including kicking stumps and arguing with umpires during domestic matches.

Though Shakib’s brilliance on the field remains undisputed, his volatile behavior has continued to tarnish his reputation. Shakib also recently apologized for remaining silent during a student-led revolution.

He is among dozens of figures from ousted premier Sheikh Hasina’s party facing murder investigations for a deadly police crackdown on protesters during the summer uprising.

The former captain had been elected as a lawmaker earlier this year and served until parliament was dissolved after Hasina’s August resignation and exile to neighboring India at the peak of the unrest.

In a long note posted on his official Facebook page, Hasan said he was “sincerely apologetic” for not speaking up during the protests.

“I pay my respects to all the students who sacrificed their lives,” the note said. “While nothing can fill the void of losing a child or a brother, I sincerely apologize to everyone who was hurt by my silence. I too would have been upset if I were in your place.”

Another high-profile case involved Bangladesh fast bowler Rubel Hossain, whose participation in the 2015 World Cup was jeopardized when he was accused of rape by an actress. The allegations suggested that Rubel had broken a promise of marriage during their intimate relationship. Although Rubel was arrested, he was later granted bail in the "national interest" after the BCB argued that he was a key player in the team’s World Cup campaign.

Rubel Hossain signals Bangladesh's progress into the quarter-finals of the 2015 ODI World Cup.BCB

Rubel’s situation took an unexpected turn when his accuser dropped the charges following Bangladesh's win over England in the 2015 World Cup.

The road ahead for Bangladesh cricket

With Hathurusingha’s exit, Bangladesh cricket finds itself at a crossroads. The appointment of former West Indies cricketer Phil Simmons as interim head coach until the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy represents a fresh chapter.

Simmons, a highly respected coach with significant international experience, will be tasked with rebuilding the team’s morale and guiding them through an important phase. He previously led the West Indies to their T20 World Cup victory in 2016 and has coached teams like Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Afghanistan, giving him the credentials to tackle the challenges ahead.

Phil Simmons keeps an eye on a West Indies training session in Dhaka in 2021.BCB

Simmons would arrive in Dhaka on Wednesday and help the team prepare for their upcoming home Test series against South Africa, with the first of two Tests starting on October 21.

"I have had the opportunity to speak to Phil Simmons and have listened to his cricket philosophy and ideas. His extensive coaching experience, vision and proven track record of success make him an ideal choice for this role," Ahmed said in the statement.

They will then travel to the United Arab Emirates for three ODIs against Afghanistan starting on November 6.