SPORTS REPORTER

After weeks of uncertainty over Bangladesh’s participation in next month’s ICC T20 World Cup, Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons left the country yesterday with sheer disappointment.

“Missing the World Cup is extremely disappointing,” he told The Daily Star before leaving on Wednesday.

Simmons joined the Bangladesh team in October 2024, and under his guidance the Tigers played two major events -- Champions Trophy and Asia Cup.

This tournament could have been his first World Cup with the Tigers. Had everything gone according to plan, this would have been one of his busiest periods, travelling with the team to the venue and making final preparations.

Instead, Bangladesh’s absence has been confirmed. Simmons arrived in Dhaka during the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) intending to prepare the side, but found uncertainty instead. During the playoffs, he was often seen pacing near the Mirpur press box, voicing concern with a faint, uneasy smile.

There is no uncertainty now. With no matches scheduled, he is returning home. “I am leaving today,” he said. “Our next series is in March, so we will have to prepare again then. Hopefully, I will return at that time.”

Other coaching staff have also been granted unexpected leave, as the board has no plans in place following the World Cup exclusion.

Since the end of the BPL, Mirpur has remained eerily quiet. The team will stay inactive until mid-March, when they face Pakistan in a three-match ODI series on March 12, 14, and 16, with Tests in May. Domestic cricket is also under threat, as disputes endanger the Dhaka Premier League.