Chandika Hathurusingha suspended as Bangladesh head coach

In a major development, Bangladesh’s head coach, Chandika Hathurusingha, has been suspended as the head coach of Bangladesh. The news was announced by BCB president Faruque Ahmed on October 15. 

Hathurusingha's second stint came to an end after Bangladesh's poor showing against India, both in the Test as well as the T20I series where they got whitewashed. His tenure also saw Bangladesh performing poorly in World Cup 2023 and T20 World Cup 2024.

According to several reports, Hathurusingha has been suspended after he allegedly slapped a Bangladesh cricketer during the 2023 World Cup in India. It is worth noting that Hathurusingha will be terminated from his contract after serving his suspension. 

Furthermore, the BCB appointed Phil Simmons as the side’s interim coach. He will coach the side for the clashes against South Africa, the UAE, the West Indies, and the ICC Champions Trophy.

"We have served him [Hathurusingha] with a showcase notice and suspension from duty as head coach today. For South Africa, UAE, West Indies, and ICC Champions Trophy, we have decided to appoint an interim head coach,” Faruque Ahmed was quoted as saying by The Daily Star. 

"Hathusingha has been told to reply to his show cause notice within 48 hours and his suspension will come with immediate effect. After that his contract will be suspended, Phil Simmons has been named the new interim head coach. He will work until the Champions Trophy,” he added.

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As for Bangladesh, after losing the multi-format series to India, the side will shift their focus onto the upcoming series against South Africa. Both sides will lock horns across two Test matches, with the first Test set to be held in Mirpur on October 21 and the second Test scheduled to begin on October 29 in Chattogram.