Sports Desk:

Former Bangladesh cricket team head coach Chandika Hathurusingha has claimed he feared for his life while hastily leaving Bangladesh during the popular uprising against the previous Sheikh Hasina regime last year, and a storm of controversy surrounding his exit from the national cricket setup.

Speaking to Code Sports, Hathurusingha recalled how panic set in when a top Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official subtly advised him to leave without informing others.

“That was a warning sign,” said Hathurusingha. “I went straight to the bank, and while I was there, breaking news flashed on TV: ‘Chandika sacked.  Assaulted player.’”

A bank manager urged him to leave immediately, fearing public reaction.

Hathurusingha left Dhaka on a midnight flight wearing a cap and hoodie.

“They could have stopped the plane. All these thoughts were going through my mind,” he said. “At the x-ray machine, an air force officer told me, ‘I’m sorry, coach. I’m very sorry that you’re going.’ I was fearing for my life.”

The controversy stemmed from an allegation that Hathurusingha had slapped bowler Nasum Ahmed during a World Cup match against New Zealand—an accusation he firmly denies.

He insists the incident involved a harmless tap on Nasum’s back to get his attention in the dugout.

The BCB never asked Hathurusingha for his version, and Nasum has remained silent.

Hathurusingha claims the issue was manipulated by the board’s new leadership to force his exit.

“They ruined my career without letting me defend myself,” he said.

Chandika’s two former colleagues—assistant coach Nic Pothas and spin coach Rangana Herath—dismissed the allegations, calling them baseless.

“Nothing happened,” Herath said. “There has to be evidence.”

Hathurusingha, who had not publicly addressed the matter until now, said the ordeal continues to impact his coaching career.