Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons has temporarily stepped away from the national team midway through their ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka. His departure comes at a tough time for the Tigers, who had already suffered a 1-0 defeat in the Test series and lost the opening ODI of the three-match contest. Bangladesh was handed a heavy 77-run defeat in the first ODI at Colombo on July 2.

In that match, the Bangladeshi batting lineup suffered a shocking collapse despite a strong start while chasing 245. Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed described the performance as “unexpected,” as Sri Lankan spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Kamindu Mendis wreaked havoc. The spin duo shared seven wickets to decimate Bangladesh, who lost seven wickets for just five runs—the worst seven-wicket collapse in men’s ODI history.

Amid the on-field struggles, Simmons’s sudden exit sparked speculation about a performance review by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). However, the team management clarified that Simmons had pre-scheduled medical commitments. He left for London on July 5 for a two-day medical consultation. Bangladesh team manager Nafees Iqbal confirmed Simmons had postponed the appointment earlier due to Champions Trophy duties and couldn’t delay it further.

Simmons to Return Ahead of 3rd ODI, Confirms Team Manager

“Phil Simmons is going to tour for two days for personal reasons. He had a doctor’s appointment in February, but he missed that due to the Champions Trophy. Now the appointment with the physicians cannot be changed. He tried to change it, but somehow he could not do that,” said Nafees Iqbal. He also confirmed that Simmons had informed the BCB of his plans before the tour began.

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“Before the start of the tour, he spoke with the board in this regard and planned accordingly. He is leaving today and will return on 7 July,” he added. Simmons will miss the second ODI on July 5 but is expected to rejoin the squad ahead of the third and final ODI. Following the ODI series, Bangladesh will play a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka.

Trinbago Knight Riders have appointed West Indies legend Dwayne Bravo as their new head coach for the CPL 2025 season. Team manager Colin Borde confirmed the news, which is a big change in the coaching configuration for the four-time champions. Bravo will take over from former West Indies coach Phil Simmons, who had joined the franchise in 2023.

This new role adds to Bravo’s growing coaching portfolio, as he is already the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR) head coach in the ILT20 and the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) head coach in Major League Cricket. Being promoted to TKR head coach is viewed as a tactical initiative to introduce continuity across Knight Riders' global operations, given Bravo’s deep involvement with the brand.

One of the most successful CPL players, Bravo offers a lifetime of experience, leadership, and a winning mindset to the job. The appointment is likely to galvanize the TKR setup, particularly with a few young players on the team eager to make a statement in the next season.

TKR Announce Squad for CPL 2025

The Trinbago Knight Riders have officially announced their team for the next 2025 Caribbean Premier League season. The franchise has retained their seasoned core with T20 veterans such as Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran, and Akeal Hosein. In overseas roles, TKR has added names like Alex Hales, Mohammad Amir, Colin Munro, Usman Tariq, and Ali Khan to add strength and depth to the team.

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The CPL 2025 draft was conducted on June 18, in which all six franchises completed their rosters. The competition will start on 14 August and finish on 21 September, with games being played throughout the Caribbean and the final to be played in Guyana. TKR Squad for CPL 2025: Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran, Alex Hales, Akeal Hosein, Mohammad Amir, Colin Munro, Usman Tariq, Ali Khan, Darren Bravo, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Terrance Hinds, McKenny Clarke, Joshua Da Silva, and Nathan Edward.