Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons has dismissed concerns that the rapid leadership changes within the national cricket board are destabilising his squad, insisting the team remains strictly focused on Friday’s ODI series opener against a seemingly depleted New Zealand.
The three-match ODI series begins on Friday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
Speaking at a press conference in Mirpur on Wednesday, Simmons addressed the recent administrative upheaval that saw former captain Tamim Iqbal assume the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) presidency on April 7, replacing Aminul Islam Bulbul.
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Tamim marks the third BCB president Simmons has worked under since his sudden appointment in October 2024.
Despite the swift boardroom turnovers occurring squarely during the team's preparation camp, the West Indian coach said the players' psychological readiness and training routines have not been compromised. He noted he has already met with Tamim twice since the transition.
"Nothing in life surprises me anymore," Simmons said. "I have been through enough to understand that everything happens on a day-to-day basis. I am not surprised by anything. As a coaching group, it has not affected our work. The presidents are not coming in as the head coach. We are preparing for a series and trying to build something, and no one has tried to change what we are building."
Simmons is demanding that same level of tunnel vision when evaluating the opposition.
New Zealand arrive in Dhaka missing an estimated 16-17 top-tier players, as the bulk of their primary roster is currently participating in franchise tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Even fast bowler Ben Sears was recently released from the visiting squad to honour a PSL contract.
Led by Tom Latham, the visiting squad lacks the star power that recently propelled the second-ranked ODI team to the Champions Trophy final and a historic series victory in India this past January.
However, Simmons firmly rejected the notion that Bangladesh will be facing a secondary roster.
"I don't know anything about a second-best team," Bangladesh coach said. "When a team comes representing a country, that is their best. Especially a team like New Zealand, which continuously produces players. These guys have played a massive amount of domestic cricket across all formats. They are solid, experienced cricketers. There is no reason to consider them a second-best team. International cricket doesn’t work that way."