One of the most experienced coaches in international cricket, Phil Simmons is creating a new normal for Bangladesh cricket with his honest, fair, and player-centric approach. As a coach with more than 400 international matches under his belt, Simmons’ influence is already being felt. Initially appointed interim coach after Chandika Hathurusingha left, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has now named him to his position until the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be held in October-November that year.
A Coach with a Unique Style
Simmons’ coaching style is defined by a cool, calm demeanor. “I don’t know how you describe this West Indian but one national cricketer said of this West Indian’s methods that it was:
“I haven’t seen anybody sitting in a chair watching the game outside the dressing room.”
This casual but watchful disposition contrasts sharply with the approach of his predecessor, Hathurusingha, a more authoritarian figure whose ordered style often left players nervously looking over their shoulders.
Simmons’s closely knit assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin, the Bangladesh senior team’s next in command, is also expected to get a challenge extension. Salahuddin said that Simmons’ balanced and simple style attracted him and called the England coach an inspiring mentor who brings a fearless culture of cricket.
“Everyone has a different approach to showing emotion. There are few who can make noise (in the dressing room) and there are those who can influence despite sitting quietly in one corner of the dressing room,” Salahuddin told Cricbuzz in an interview.
“The style is different, and those who have been out there coaching for so long, they know exactly what to say to a player and when to get into their ear.”
A Coach Who Tells It Like It Is
Salahuddin then went on to praise the directness and honesty of Simmons, which makes him a respectable figure in the dressing-room.
“He’s [Simmons] not aggressive but he doesn’t shy away from calling a spade a spade. The dressing room is where the players can speak their mind, and their work is to play cricket in a free manner. He ensures that all players in the dressing room are treated equally, and always encourages everyone to play fearless cricket,” Salahuddin explained.
Because of this fair and transparent approach, Simmons has built a reputation as a “player’s coach.” Making it clear it’s not so much about players being supported unilaterally—rather, fairness all round.
“I don’t think he backs the players, but what he does is give to everyone what they deserve – players, officials. You are working with the players, you are working with the board and you are working with the selection panel. Because of that, he has to be just, and he should know he has that power so he can do that (be just in his work),” he further explained.
Summary of the the vision for Bangladesh Cricket in the long run
Although Bangladesh’s recent performances have been less than impressive, Salahuddin feels Simmons is better placed now to face the challenges up ahead. Now armed with increased knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of the team, Simmons is already plotting for sustained success.
“I think it is true (his honeymoon period is over) and we are already working on it (who fits where in the team) and what our coaches need to do with certain players and he is thinking about it deeply,” Salahuddin said.
“You know, what I sense after seeing him closely is he wants a good chain between Under-19, High Performance Unit and Bangladesh Tigers programmes so that the local coaches can prepare the guys according to the needs of the national team,” he said.
Simons is walking the walk, doing her best to build something sustainable — working to strengthen communication and coordination with local coaches. His aim, both as the national head coach and as the architect of an emerging generation of players, is to bridge the gap between young players and the national framework so that when the time comes to pen the Indian colours, they are better suited to handle the nastiness of international cricket.
“That is why he had told the coaches what they should do, what area they should improve so that when a player in the national team, we are not sure how we can get them adapt with the pressure of international cricket,” Salahuddin said.
“What he wants is freedom for everybody (coaches) but at the same time a chain needs to be maintained and keeping the fact in mind that if it is there, it will be good for the country’s cricket.” He does not look down on the local coaches. All the local coaches, if they see there is some void with him, they give complete freedom to tell him. He is extremely open, and willing to help them with that,” he said.
A New Era Under Simmons
As Bangladeshi cricket enters a new era, Phil Simmons’ free, fair, and fearless philosophy has already begun making in-roads. His cool but authoritative coaching style, paired with an emphasis on developing homegrown talent, is helping to form the personality of the team. Simmons is building a team, but also putting in place a platform for future success, with the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind.
