Bangladesh Head Coach Chandika Hathurusingha Slams Cricket Board Over Allegations

The cricket world was shaken when Chandika Hathurusingha, head coach of Bangladesh’s national cricket team, was suspended by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). On October 15, 2023, allegations emerged that Hathurusingha had physically assaulted a player during the ODI World Cup and had taken excessive leaves during his tenure. In response, Hathurusingha has vehemently denied the claims, calling them premeditated and challenging the BCB to prove their accusations.

The Allegations by BCB

The BCB made two serious allegations against Hathurusingha. Hathurusingha was accused of physically assaulting a player during the 2023 ODI World Cup. The BCB claimed that Hathurusingha took unauthorized leave during his tenure, exceeding acceptable limits. These accusations have caused a stir within the cricket community, as they involve both professional misconduct and potential legal issues.

Hathurusingha’s Response

In a lengthy public statement, Hathurusingha expressed his dismay over the allegations, stating that they were unfounded and part of a premeditated plan to tarnish his reputation. He firmly denied the claims and vowed to defend his integrity.

“I am writing this letter to address the recent allegations made by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) questioning my integrity and professionalism regarding an alleged assault on a player during the 2023 World Cup match and claims of excessive leave taken without permission. I cannot allow this presumption unchallenged without responding. I believe it is essential to clarify the facts as I see them surrounding these accusations and present my side of the story,” Hathurusingha said in a statement.

Hathurusingha’s Defense

Regarding the alleged physical assault, Hathurusingha pointed out several key facts. The incident reportedly occurred in the players’ dugout or dressing room during a World Cup match.

“Firstly, the alleged incident purportedly occurred in the players’ dugout or dressing room, a location that is under constant surveillance during World Cup matches. With over 40 to 50 cameras capturing every moment of the game, I didn’t get an opportunity cross examination an accuser nor witness any if at all there.

Hathurusingha also questioned why the player involved did not report the incident immediately after it occurred. If the event was as serious as claimed, it would have been reported to the team manager or another authority right away. Instead, the allegations only surfaced months later through a YouTube video, raising doubts about their validity.

“Furthermore, if the incident was as serious as claimed, it is perplexing that the player involved did not report the incident to the team manager or any authority immediately following the alleged event. If a complaint was made, I wonder why I was not questioned or approached for my side of the story at that time. It raises the question as to why the narrative was orchestrated months later by an individual on YouTube?,” he added.

Hathurusingha’s Clarification

Hathurusingha also addressed the allegations regarding excessive leave. He maintained that every time he took leave, he sought approval from both the CEO and the Chairman of Cricket Operations. At no point, according to Hathurusingha, did the BCB express dissatisfaction with the number of leaves he took.

“When the new Board members alleged that I had taken excessive leave, they did not account for public holidays, such as Eid, nor the Fridays which may have occurred during my leave. Nor did they give credit for when I did not take allowed time off during public holidays. As I understand it, according to Bangladesh labour law, I am entitled to “time in lieu” for work done on Fridays. Additionally, as a BCB employee, I am entitled to leave on Fridays and a half-day off on Thursdays,” he said.

In his defense, Hathurusingha pointed out that taking leave during the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is common practice among foreign coaches. He stressed that his actions were no different from those of other coaches, yet he was being singled out unfairly.

According to Hathurusingha, the allegations were premeditated. On the first day of the new BCB president’s term, he made public comments about his desire to remove Hathurusingha. The coach also pointed out that just four hours after receiving a notice to defend himself, a new head coach had already been appointed, raising serious questions about the board’s intentions.