Bangladesh coach Deserts Team Midway through SL Series amid “Performance Review” report

Bangladesh cricket team head coach Phil Simmons has left the team midway through the ODI series against Sri Lanka. The Tigers first lost the two-match Test series 1-0 after which they went on to lose the 1st ODI as well. Ahead of the 2nd ODI, reports have claimed that Simmons has left the team for a medical reason but is expected to rejoin the side in time for the 3rd ODI.

Bangladesh coach leaves team after loss in 1st ODI

As per Cricbuzz, Bangladesh head coach Simmons is expected to be away on a two-day tour for personal reasons. It is pertinent to point out that his departure comes amidst reports of a “performance review” by the BCB in the wake of the team’s performances off late. Simmons was supposedly to have an appointment with doctors in the UK in February but had to postpone it.

“Phil Simmons is going to tour for two days for personal reasons. He had a doctor’s appointment in February but he missed that due to Champions Trophy. Now the appointment with the physicians cannot be changed. He tried to change it but somehow he could not do that,” Bangladesh team manager Nafees Iqbal confirmed.

However, the official stated that the Bangladesh head coach was scheduled to rejoin the team on July 7. He said that the decision had been communicated to the BCB earlier.

“Before the start of the tour, he spoke with the board in this regard and planned accordingly. He is leaving today and will return on 7 July,” he added.

Despite starting off on a good note, Bangladesh suffered a batting collapse in the 1st ODI that saw them lose 7 wickets in a span of 5 runs. The Tigers, who are without the services of any veterans. will take on Sri Lanka in the 2nd ODI on July 5.