Phil Simmons along with the Bangladesh team (Source:@cricbuzz,x.com)
In a significant development, Bangladesh team head coach Phil Simmons has temporarily left the ongoing tour of Sri Lanka for a scheduled medical consultation in London, confirmed team officials. The former West Indies cricketer and current Bangladesh coach will miss the second ODI of the three-match series against Sri Lanka, but is expected to return ahead of the final ODI on July 8.
Simmons, who had been with the team in Colombo throughout the white-ball leg of the tour, left for London on Friday. Team manager Nafees Iqbal addressed speculation about the timing of his departure, and also clarified that it was unrelated to team performance or any meetings.
"Phil Simmons is going to tour for two days for personal reasons," team manager Nafees Iqbal confirmed on Friday. "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 (appointment) but somehow he could not do that. Before the start of the tour, he spoke with the board in this regard (meeting the physicians) and planned accordingly. He is leaving today and will return on 7 July."
There were several reports circulating that BCB president Aminul Islam had summoned Simmons for a performance review following Bangladesh's disappointing start to the ODI series. However, according to the reports by Cricbuzz, the team manager confirmed the trip is solely for medical reasons and not disciplinary or review-related.
Bangladesh's Dramatic 1st ODI Defeat
In the first ODI at the R. Premadasa Stadium, the Bangladesh team suffered what is now being labelled one of the worst collapses in ODI history. Chasing a modest target of 245, Bangladesh reached 100 for 1 before a shocking turn of events saw them slump to 107 for 8 that is losing seven wickets for just five runs. Sri Lankan spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Kamindu Mendis wreaked havoc, combining for seven wickets as Bangladesh’s batting order collapsed under pressure.
It is important to mention that the collapse surpassed the previous record set by the USA in 2020, when they lost seven wickets for eight runs against Nepal.
Bangladesh currently trail the ODI series 0-1 after their 77-run defeat in the first game. The final ODI is scheduled for July 8, followed by a three-match T20I series from July 10 to 16.
 "Sakshi Sharma")
