I wonder why I was not questioned or approached for my side of the story: Chandika Hathurusingha

Chandika Hathurusingha (Source – Photo by R.SATISH BABU/AFP via Getty Images)

The now-former head coach of Bangladesh, Chandika Hathurusingha, was only recently ousted from his capacity as Bangladesh’s head coach. The reasons behind his sacking were bizarre. It is alleged that he was involved in physically assaulting one of the players from the camp during the 50-over World Cup last year as well as taking more time off than was permitted.

However, he has come out strongly against the actions which have been taken against him. Hathurusingha linked his removal from the post to coincide with the fresh presidential term. He also observed that the promptness with which a show cause notice was drafted to him added to his doubts regarding the intentions of the Bangladesh Cricket Board.

“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 remove the head coach, which he acknowledged might involve financial repercussions for the BCB. Additionally, I was shocked to receive a show cause notice just four hours before the appointment of another head coach, despite the notice stating that I had 48 hours to prove my innocence. This sequence of events raises serious questions about the motives behind these actions,” stated Hathurusingha, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

He further went on to express the eccentricity of the situation by questioning why the concerned player or the administration did not take any immediate action when the supposed incident had taken place as well as his version of the events which unfolded is not taken into consideration.

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“I cannot allow this presumption [to go] 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. Firstly, the alleged incident purportedly occurred in the players’ dugout or dressing room, a location that is under constant surveillance during World Cup matches. 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 reasoned.

I was advised to leave Bangladesh on security grounds: Hathurusingha

Hathurusingha also went on to disclose the reason for him making his way out of Bangladesh on an immediate basis and expressed his loyal commitment to getting to the very crux of the issue.

“Given the circumstances, I was advised to leave Bangladesh on security grounds. The combination of these allegations, the swift appointment of a new head coach, and the apparent lack of due process raises significant concerns about the motivation of the new management and the treatment of employees within the BCB. I am committed to defending my reputation and will cooperate fully with any investigation into these matters. In the end,  truth will prevail, and I can continue to contribute positively to the sport I love,” added Hathurusingha.

Also Read: Chandika Hathurusingha suspended as Bangladesh head coach

The ex-Sri Lankan’s second stint with the Tigers ended five months before his contract was supposed to end. His first spell with the nation as head coach lasted from 2014 to 2017.

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