The former West Indies all-rounder will miss the second ODI of the three-match series but is expected to return in time for the final game on July 8.
Simmons had been with the team throughout the white-ball leg of the tour in Colombo but departed for London on Friday. Addressing speculation surrounding his exit, team manager Nafees Iqbal clarified that the coach’s trip had nothing to do with the team’s recent performances or any internal meetings.
“Phil Simmons is travelling for two days for personal reasons,” Nafees said on Friday. “He had a doctor’s appointment scheduled back in February, but had to skip it due to the Champions Trophy commitments. This appointment couldn’t be rescheduled. He had already discussed this with the board before the tour began and planned accordingly. He’s leaving today and will be back on July 7.”
Earlier reports had suggested that Simmons was called back by BCB President Nazmul Hassan for a performance review after Bangladesh’s poor start to the ODI series. However, according to Cricbuzz, the team manager reiterated that Simmons’ trip was strictly medical and not related to any disciplinary matter.
Bangladesh’s Shocking Collapse in 1st ODI
In the opening ODI at R. Premadasa Stadium, Bangladesh suffered one of the most dramatic collapses in ODI history. Chasing a manageable target of 245, the visitors were cruising at 100 for 1 before an astonishing collapse saw them tumble to 107 for 8 — losing seven wickets for just five runs.
Phil Simmons to Remain Bangladesh Head Coach Until 2027 ODI World Cup
Sri Lanka’s spinners, Wanindu Hasaranga and Kamindu Mendis, were the chief wreckers, sharing seven wickets between them and completely dismantling Bangladesh’s middle and lower order.
This collapse is now being compared to one of the worst in ODI history — surpassing even the USA’s 2020 meltdown against Nepal, where they lost seven wickets for just eight runs.
Bangladesh now trail 0-1 in the three-match ODI series after a 77-run defeat in the first game. The final ODI is set for July 8, followed by a three-match T20I series from July 10 to 16.
