In a revealing press conference, Nazmul Hassan Papon, the president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), laid bare the intricate dynamics of the Tigers' dressing room and the cultural nuances of Bangladeshi cricket. His candid admission that head coach Chandika Hathurusingha's coaching style is a mismatch for Bangladesh's unique environment has sparked considerable debate.
Hathurusingha's no-nonsense approach, which eschews preferential treatment for star players, has historically put him at odds with key figures like Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mahmudullah Riyad. His current tenure has seen similar friction, notably with Tamim Iqbal.
Papon's remarks underscore a fundamental cultural clash: "I agree that his [Hathurusingha's] man management style and communication are entirely different. His biggest challenge is adapting to our country's culture," he stated. Hathurusingha's contract, which runs until the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, now seems fraught with tension.
The crux of the issue lies in Hathurusingha's refusal to grant special consideration to senior players, a practice deeply ingrained in Bangladeshi cricket. "He doesn't give anyone special consideration, which is a significant issue.
In our country, you must give some [special consideration] especially to our more experienced players. However, I didn't hear any complaints from the rest of the [T20] World Cup squad, and most of them praised him," Papon added.
The BCB's decision to reappoint Hathurusingha, despite his controversial departure in 2017, was driven by a desire to instil discipline.
Yet, the mixed results of two World Cup campaigns have cast doubt on this strategy.
Reflecting on Hathurusingha's initial appointment in 2014, Papon noted, "When he first came, and we interviewed him, I understood that he is a very strict person, like a strict principal. I felt it was important to bring discipline." Hathurusingha's meticulous planning and strategic acumen were initially lauded, leading to significant successes.
However, the BCB's reliance on past methods has proven problematic. Cricket has evolved since 2014-2017, and the slow pitches that once brought short-term success are now contributing to batting woes.
Man management has emerged as the pivotal issue. Players, having experienced different coaching styles under Steve Rhodes and Russell Domingo, now view Hathurusingha's approach as outdated. "When Hathurusingha returned, it was difficult for him to adjust, and I am not denying it. I think the board should have been more involved and communicated better with the players to understand them," Papon admitted, highlighting a broader cultural and management challenge within the BCB.
In essence, the BCB faces a critical juncture. Balancing the need for discipline with cultural sensitivity and effective man management will be key to navigating the future of Bangladeshi cricket.
