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Xtra Time Web Desk: Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe has been suspended by the BCB on disciplinary grounds. He has been suspended for 48 hours and is to be "terminated immediately". Phil Simmons will take over as head coach in an interim capacity till the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Hathurusinghe returned for his second stint as Bangladesh coach in February last year. It was met with mixed reaction among former captains, most notably current BCB president Faruque Ahmed who questioned BCB's decision to bring him back at the time.

The former Sri Lanka cricketer had allegedly slapped a Bangladesh cricketer during the 2023 World Cup in India. BCB has suspended Chandika Hathurusinghe on disciplanary grounds. He will be terminated after 48 hours of serving suspension.

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BCB President Faruque Ahmed said, "Before terminating him, we issued a show-cause notice as per the rules. He has been suspended for 48 hours, after which we will proceed with the termination. Phil Simmons will be the coach until the Champions Trophy."

The BCB president mentioned that Hathurusingha is being dismissed primarily for misconduct. In a press conference, he said, "There have been two or three incidents that were very distressing for me as a former player. Moreover, they were not a good example for the team. Considering those, we have issued a show-cause notice and a letter relieving him of his duties today."

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Under Hathurusinghe, Bangladesh put up underwhelming performances during last year's ODI World Cup and T20 World Cup campaign this year. His best achievement during this term was Bangladesh's 2-0 Test series win against Pakistan this year. It was their maiden win in Pakistan, and first overseas Test series win in 15 years. However, in the India tour that followed, they lost 2-0 in the Tests and 3-0 in the T20Is which included a record loss in the third match.

Taking over the role is Phil Simmons, a highly experienced coach who will guide Bangladesh through the upcoming international fixtures, including the 2025 Champions Trophy. Known for his calm leadership style and ability to develop young talent, Simmons is expected to bring much-needed stability and professionalism to the team after Hathurusingha's turbulent period.