BCB President admits coach Hathurusingha's style clashes with team culture

The president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Nazmul Hassan Papon, recently opened up about the challenges within the Bangladesh cricket team and their dressing room dynamics. He acknowledged that the coaching style of head coach Chandika Hathurusingha doesn't fit well with the team's culture, as Hathurusingha doesn't give preferential treatment to star players.

Hathurusingha has previously had disagreements with senior players like Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mahmudullah Riyad during his first tenure. His second stint has seen similar issues, this time with Tamim Iqbal.

"I agree that his [Hathurusingha] man management style and communication is totally different. His biggest problem is his difficulty in adjusting to our country's culture," the BCB president said.

Papon explained that Hathurusingha's approach of not giving special treatment to anyone is problematic in Bangladesh, especially for experienced players. Despite this, he noted that the rest of the T20 World Cup squad didn't complain and many even praised Hathurusingha.

"He doesn't give anyone special consideration, which is a big problem. In our country, you have to give some [special consideration]… especially for our more experienced players. But I didn't hear any complaint from the rest of the [T20] World Cup squad and most of them praised him," he further added.

When Hathurusingha was reappointed, the BCB hoped he would bring strict discipline to the team, as he had in his first term. However, following two unsuccessful World Cup campaigns, feelings about his methods are mixed.

"When he came [for the first time] and we interviewed him, I understood that he is a very strict person, like a strict principle. I felt it was important to bring discipline," he said.

The BCB now realizes that cricket has evolved since 2014-2017, and their reliance on sluggish pitches for short-term success has led to current batting problems. The main issue now seems to be man management.

Papon pointed out that players have a different perspective on coaches after working with Steve Rhodes and Russell Domingo. He suggested that the BCB needs to improve communication with players and understand their needs better.

"Later when Hathurusingha arrived it was difficult for him to adjust and I am not denying it. I think the board should have been more involved and have more communication with the players and understand the players," he concluded.