I’m wondering why I wasn’t questioned or approached for my side of the story: Chandika Hathurusingha

Chandika Hathurusingha, the former head coach of Bangladesh, was only recently fired from his position. The reasons he was fired were strange. In addition to taking more time off than was allowed, he is accused of physically attacking one of the camp’s players during the 50-over World Cup last year.

Nonetheless, he has publicly denounced the actions that have been taken against him. Hathurusingha connected his dismissal to the inauguration of a new president. He also noted that the speed at which he received a show-cause notice heightened his skepticism about the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s motives.

“It seems to me that these accusations are planned. He publicly stated his intention to fire the head coach on the first day of the next president’s tenure, acknowledging that doing so might have financial consequences for the BCB. A show-cause letter, which stated that I had 48 hours to establish my innocence, was also shockingly sent to me just four hours before another head coach was scheduled to be appointed. The motivations underlying these acts are seriously called into question by this series of events,” Hathurusingha said.

He went on to highlight the peculiarity of the scenario by asking why neither the administration nor the concerned athlete acted right away after the alleged incident occurred and why his version of events was ignored.

“If I don’t answer, I can’t let this assumption [go] uncontested. In my opinion, it is imperative to provide my perspective and explain the facts as I perceive them in relation to these charges. First off, the players’ dugout or changing room, which is continuously watched during World Cup games, is where the alleged assault allegedly took place. It is also confusing that the player who was involved did not notify the team management or any other authority right away after the alleged occurrence, if it was as bad as reported.

If a complaint was filed, I question why I wasn’t contacted or asked for my version of events at the time. “That begs the question of why the story was planned months later by a single person on YouTube,” he thought.

It was suggested that I leave Bangladesh for security reasons:  Chandika Hathurusingha

In addition, Hathurusingha revealed why he was leaving Bangladesh immediately and pledged his unwavering dedication to addressing the core of the problem.

Because of the situation, I was told to leave Bangladesh for security reasons. These accusations, the quick hiring of a new head coach, and the apparent absence of due process raise serious questions regarding the new management’s purpose and how the BCB treats its staff.

I will cooperate completely with any examination into these issues since I am dedicated to protecting my reputation. Truth shall ultimately triumph, and I will be able to keep making a constructive contribution to the sport I like,” Hathurusingha continued.

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Five months before his contract was about to expire, the former Sri Lankan’s second spell with the Tigers came to an end. 2014–2017 was his first stint as head coach of the country.