Farouk Fired Hathurusingha Based on False Claims, Say Former Coaches

Sports Desk

After taking charge as BCB president, Faruque Ahmed removed Chandika Hathurusingha citing disciplinary issues, claiming the coach had physically abused a player during the 2023 World Cup. However, assistant coach Nick Pothas and spin bowling coach Rangana Herath, who were part of the coaching staff during the tournament, have denied these allegations completely, stating no such incident ever took place.

When news reports first surfaced about the alleged incident post-World Cup, the BCB formed an inquiry committee under then-president Nazmul Hassan Papon. The investigation found no evidence supporting the claims. Despite this, after Faruque Ahmed assumed the BCB presidency on August 5 last year, Hathurusingha was eventually dismissed.

The rift between Hathurusingha and Faruque dates back to 2016 when Faruque was chief selector. Their professional disagreements turned personal, with Faruque frequently criticizing the coach publicly. Many predicted Hathurusingha’s removal once Faruque became BCB chief.

Though Hathurusingha initially retained his position under the new administration and even guided Bangladesh to a landmark Test series victory in Pakistan, he was fired following the team’s poor showing in India. Faruque justified the dismissal by alleging disciplinary breaches, including the unsubstantiated World Cup incident, though no investigation report was ever made public.

At the time, then-vice-captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said he had no knowledge of any such altercation during the tournament.

Now, two more members of the World Cup coaching staff have contradicted the BCB’s version. Nick Pothas told Australian media outlet Code Sports, “Based on my personal experience working with him, Hathuru is a thoroughly professional international coach. Someone with his track record wouldn’t last in this profession if such incidents were true.”

Pothas suggested personal motives behind the allegations, saying, “The accuser likely had an axe to grind. The decision-maker probably didn’t anticipate the consequences – how much turmoil this would cause or how it would affect Hathuru’s career after leaving Bangladesh.”

Sources indicate the controversy stemmed from Hathurusingha tapping bowler Nasum Ahmed on the back during a match – a routine gesture that was misrepresented as physical abuse by certain media outlets. Observers believe Faruque exploited this exaggerated report to settle personal scores.

Pothas explained, “There’s a world of difference between encouraging pats on the back and physical assault. In high-pressure environments with language barriers, such physical cues are normal communication methods.”

Rangana Herath was more categorical in his denial, stating, “Absolutely nothing of that nature occurred. With cameras covering every angle at the World Cup, where’s the evidence? I can state with certainty – having been present throughout – that no incident happened. Patting someone’s back isn’t the same as striking them.”

The former Sri Lankan spinner emphasized that proper procedures weren’t followed, adding, “If serious allegations are made, they should be properly investigated with evidence presented, not used as pretexts for personal agendas.”

This revelation raises fresh questions about the BCB’s decision-making process and whether personal vendettas influenced professional judgments regarding one of Bangladesh’s most successful coaches.