Image Source: ICC
[Saba Sports News] Former Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha, on Friday (October 18), addressed the allegations made against him by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and called his dismissal “premeditated.”
Hathurusingha stated that he is fully committed to cooperating with any investigation regarding accusations of misconduct and breach of the code of conduct.
BCB suspended Hathurusingha on October 15, leading to his termination, citing his unsatisfactory response to a show-cause letter.
The BCB raised two major disciplinary issues: a physical and verbal altercation with a player during the 2023 Men’s World Cup in India, and taking more leave than allowed in his contract.
In a statement, Hathurusingha strongly denied the allegations. “I cannot allow this presumption unchallenged without responding. It is essential to clarify the facts as I see them surrounding these accusations,” he said.
Regarding the alleged confrontation with a player, he pointed out, “The incident supposedly happened in the players’ dugout, which is under constant surveillance. If this were true, why wasn’t I questioned at the time, and why was the accusation made months later on YouTube?”
He also defended his position on the leave issue, stating, “I have consistently sought and received approval for any personal leave. At no time did the BCB express unhappiness with my leave situation.”
Hathurusingha believes the allegations were pre-planned, noting that the BCB president publicly expressed a desire to remove him on his first day in office. “I was shocked to receive a ‘show cause notice’ just four hours before another head coach was appointed. This raises serious questions about the motives behind these actions,” he said.
He concluded by affirming his intent to defend his reputation and cooperate fully with any investigation, stating, “In the end, truth will prevail.”