Bangladesh Coach Phil Simmons Temporarily Steps Away From Sri Lanka Tour for Medical Checkup

Simmons Temporarily Departs Sri Lanka Tour for Medical Consultation

Phil Simmons, the head coach of the Bangladesh national cricket team, has left the ongoing tour of Sri Lanka to consult with doctors in London. Contrary to speculation, this departure is not related to a performance review by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

Simmons is heading to London for a medical appointment © AFP

Simmons is expected to rejoin the team in Sri Lanka on July 7, in time for the third ODI of the series. Following the ODI series, Bangladesh is scheduled to play three T20Is against Sri Lanka.

According to team manager Nafees Iqbal, Simmons had a pre-scheduled doctor's appointment that was initially set for February but had to be postponed due to the Champions Trophy. "Phil Simmons is going to tour for two days for personal reasons," Iqbal stated. "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."

The Bangladesh team has had a mixed performance on the tour so far. While they secured a draw in the first Test match, they lost the second Test, losing the series. They also experienced a batting collapse in the first ODI, resulting in a loss.