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'Truth Will Prevail': Chandika Hathurusingha Breaks Silence On Player Assault Charges By BCB

Chandika Hathurusingha  claims innocence after BCB levels assault charges (@saifahmed75/X.com)Chandika Hathurusingha  claims innocence after BCB levels assault charges (@saifahmed75/X.com)

Chandika Hathurusingha, the former Bangladesh head coach, has strongly criticised the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) following his suspension and the subsequent allegations that he physically assaulted a player during the 2023 ODI World Cup. In a detailed open letter, he has firmly denied the accusations, labelling them as "premeditated" and expressing his willingness to fully cooperate with any investigation.

A major controversy broke out earlier this week when the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) suspended head coach Chandika Hathurusingha and accused him of slapping a player during the 2023 ODI World Cup. He was given 48 hours to respond to show cause notice before eventually getting sacked.

However, Hathurusingha responded strongly to the serious allegations in a detailed statement slamming the made up narrative by BCB. 

Chandika Hathurusingha hits back at BCB after abrupt sacking

In the official statement, Chandika Hathurusingha defended his actions, saying the alleged incident in the players' dugout or dressing room during the World Cup would have been captured by multiple cameras. 

"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," he wrote.


"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."

Furthermore, the former coach addressed the accusations regarding his leave, asserting that all his leaves had been approved by the BCB and that he never took unauthorised time off. 

"Regarding the claims of taking leave, I want to clarify that I have consistently sought and received approval from both the CEO and the Chairman of Cricket Operations whenever I have taken personal leave. At no time did the BCB tell me that they were unhappy with my leave situation, but conversely, every time I asked for leave, it was granted by BCB. At no time did I go on leave without their authorisation."

Not only that, Chandika Hathurusingha expressed concerns about the timing of the accusations, particularly as the BCB's new president had made public his intention to remove him on the first day of his term. 

"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."

He concluded his statement by expressing his commitment to defending his reputation and highlighting the manner in which his sacking was handled could indicate broader issues within the organisation.