The BCB has sought an explanation from Allan Donald, the Bangladesh team’s fast bowling coach, for his comments on Angelo Mathews’ timed out dismissal after the World Cup match in Delhi on November 6. In an interview with CricBlog.net, conducted soon after the team returned to their hotel in Delhi, Donald had expressed disappointment with the dismissal, saying he found it “really difficult to watch that unfold.”
The BCB official stated that “He could have given his personal views at a later time. He is part of the team management, so when the team takes a decision, speaking about it publicly is a breach of the code of conduct. He could have spoken about it within the team or to the player. He could have informed the BCB, but not in public.”
Donald’s criticism was not well-received by the BCB, as criticizing the team’s decision publicly is generally frowned upon by the board. However, the BCB is not likely to take any action as this is effectively Donald’s last assignment with the Bangladesh team. He has reportedly informed the board that he won’t continue once his contract runs out at the end of the World Cup. Donald had been appointed in the role ahead of Bangladesh’s tour of South Africa in 2022.
Several other coaching staff members, including Rangana Herath (spin-bowling coach), Shane McDermott (fielding coach), Nick Lee (head of physical performance), and Shrinivas Chandrasekaran (computer analyst), will also be out of contract following the tournament. The BCB has issued letters to some of these coaches to continue until at least January 2, but it is unclear how many of them are retaining their current roles.
Bangladesh has two Tests scheduled against New Zealand at home from November 28 to December 10, followed by three ODIs and three T20Is against New Zealand from December 17 to 31.
S Sriram, who had joined as a technical consultant only for the World Cup, will also end his stint with the team. Head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe and assistant coach Nic Pothas have time left in their respective contracts. Hathurusinghe had previously mentioned that he felt the seven months since being appointed head coach were not enough to prepare the team for the World Cup, and his work would start after the tournament.
