Bangladesh Coach Phil Simmons Leaves Sri Lanka Tour for Medical Check-up in London

Simmons Temporarily Departs Sri Lanka Tour for Medical Consultation

Phil Simmons, the head coach of the Bangladesh national team, has left the ongoing tour of Sri Lanka to consult with doctors in London. This departure comes amidst speculation about a potential performance review, but team officials have clarified the coach's trip is for a pre-scheduled medical appointment.

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 One Day International (ODI) match of the series. Following the ODI series, Bangladesh is scheduled to play three Twenty20 International (T20I) matches.

According to team manager Nafees Iqbal, Simmons had originally scheduled the doctor's appointment for February but had to postpone it 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's performance in the series has been mixed. After a strong showing in the first Test, which ended in a draw, they lost the second Test, losing the series. The team also experienced a collapse in the first ODI, resulting in a loss.