Bangladesh coach sacked after player claims he was slapped

Bangladesh have sacked men's head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe for "misconduct" and "breach of employment terms".

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said in a statement that Hathurusinghe was put on notice on Tuesday and, after receiving his response on Wednesday, it held an emergency board meeting where his contract was terminated.

Local media say, external a player claimed the Sri Lankan slapped him during the 2023 World Cup in India.

A BCB statement confirming Hathurusinghe's termination on Thursday said: "After considering all factors, the Board deemed Hathurusinghe's explanation unsatisfactory and unacceptable and found his action consistent with misconduct and dereliction of duty. His termination comes into immediate effect."

AFP and India media outlet Cricbuzz cited a news conference where BCB president Faruque Ahmed said: "I really felt bad from the moment I learned about the incident from the newspapers.

"I am not defending anyone but anything might happen in the heat of the moment.

"But you cannot hit a national player. It is not on. This is the right punishment. It should have happened some time ago."

The BBC has contacted the BCB but has been unable to verify the allegation against Hathurusinghe.

Hathurusighe was reappointed Bangladesh coach in January 2023, having previously held the position between 2014 and 2017.

They finished eighth at the World Cup last year and failed to make it out of their Super 8 group at this year's T20 World Cup.

Last month, they won a Test series 2-0 in Pakistan while they are due to host South Africa for a two-Test series starting on Monday.

Former West Indies international Phil Simmons, who was West Indies coach between 2019 and 2022 and previously led Ireland, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, has been appointed on an interim basis until the end of the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Ahmed said: "I have had the opportunity to speak to Phil Simmons and have listened to his cricket philosophy and ideas. His extensive coaching experience, vision and proven track record of success make him an ideal choice for this role."