Former coach Chandika Hathurusingha slams BCB over allegations of player abuse

Bangladesh national coach Chandika Hathurusingha has criticized the country’s cricket board over allegations that led to his dismissal from the national team. Hathurusingha was suspended by the country’s cricket board on October 15 following allegations that he physically assaulted a player during the 2023 ODI World Cup and took too much leave during his tenure.

The coach was given 48 hours to address the concerns, after which he would have been fired anyway. Hathurusingha has now hit out at the Bangladesh Cricket Board, calling the allegations premeditated and challenging the board to prove their claims. In a lengthy statement, Hathurusingha said the truth will ultimately prevail and agreed to fully cooperate with any investigation.

“I am writing this letter to address the recent allegations 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 to happen. I believe it is essential to clarify the facts surrounding these allegations and present my side of the story,” Hathurusingha said in a statement.

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“Firstly, the alleged incident took place in the players’ dugout or dressing room, a location that is constantly monitored during World Cup matches. With more than 40 to 50 cameras capturing every moment of the match, I didn’t get a chance. investigating an accuser and not witnessing it.

“Furthermore, if the incident was as serious as alleged, it is baffling that the player involved did not report the incident to the team manager or other authority immediately after the alleged event. If a complaint has been made, I wonder why I was not questioned or contacted for my side of the story at the time. It begs the question why was the story orchestrated by someone on YouTube months later?,” he added.

‘Nobody within BCB had any problems with browsing’

The current BCB president had alleged that the coach had taken three months’ leave during his tenure. More importantly, the leaves were allegedly used without permission. Hathurusingha disputed the claims, stating that the BCB never told him that they were unhappy with the number of leaves he had taken during his tenure.

“Regarding the claims of taking leave, I would like to clarify that I have consistently sought and received approval from both the CEO and Chairman of Cricket Operations whenever I have taken personal leave. At no time has the BCB told me that they were not satisfied with my leave situation, but conversely, every time I requested leave, it was granted by BCB. I never went on leave without their permission.

“When the new board members claimed that I had taken excessive leave, they did not take into account public holidays, such as Eid, nor the Fridays that may have occurred during my leave. They also did not take into account the fact that I did not take the allowed time. free during public holidays. As I understand it, under Bangladesh labor law, I am entitled to “compensatory time” for work done on Fridays. In addition, as an employee of BCB, I am entitled to leave on Friday and a half day off on Thursday,” he says.

“It is also important to highlight that during the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), it is common for foreign coaches to take leave. This is not an exception unique to me, but rather a norm that was established for many foreign coaches before my tenure “Leave taken during BPL will not be considered in addition to the leave entitlement under my contract,” he added.

‘Concerns about BCB employees’

Hathurusingha’s statement ended with the former head coach stating that the allegations were premeditated and that the process that followed his dismissal should also raise concerns among the organization’s other employees.

“These allegations appear to me to be premeditated. On the first day of the new president’s term, he made a public statement expressing his desire to fire the head coach, which he acknowledged could have financial consequences for the BCB. Furthermore, I was shocked to receive a “show cause notice” just four hours before the appointment of another head coach, despite being notified that I had 48 hours to prove my innocence. This sequence of events raises serious questions about the motives behind these actions,” he said.

“Given the circumstances, I was advised to leave Bangladesh for security reasons. The combination of these allegations, the rapid appointment of a new head coach and the apparent lack of due process raises serious concerns about the motivation of the new management and the treatment of the employees within the BCB.

“I am committed to defending my reputation and will cooperate fully with any investigation into these matters. Ultimately, the truth will prevail and I can continue to make a positive contribution to the sport I love,” he concluded.