The Strained Relationship Between Hathurusingha
and Local Journalists
Since his
appointment as head coach in 2014, Chandika Hathurusingha has faced consistent
criticism from a faction of Bangladesh’s sports journalists. Despite his
success in transforming the team from a state of mediocrity to a competitive
force in international cricket, some journalists have persistently painted him
as an "autocrat" and "rude" figure. However, players like
Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah Riyad, and Tamim Iqbal have repeatedly expressed
their satisfaction with Hathurusingha’s methods and leadership.
The
criticism levelled against Hathurusingha often seems to be more personal than
professional, rooted in a longstanding vendetta. For a coach to bring out the
best in his players, a strict approach to discipline and ethics is often
necessary, and if this so-called "autocratic" style results in
positive outcomes for the team, it should be seen as a strength rather than a
flaw. Hathurusingha’s preference for privacy and consultation with only the Bangladesh
Cricket Board (BCB) and team management should not be viewed as a flaw, but
rather as a deliberate strategy to maintain focus and avoid unnecessary
distractions.
The Role of the Press: Superiority Complex and
the Misuse of Influence
The issue
at hand is not merely about Hathurusingha’s reluctance to engage with the
media, but the broader attitude that some of Bangladesh’s sports journalists
bring to their work. A certain section of the media seems to believe that they
are entitled to access and influence, treating their relationship with players
and officials as one of superiority. When coaches or players choose to withhold
comments or deny access, these journalists often retaliate by twisting
statements or publishing negative stories, creating a toxic atmosphere around
the team.
This
phenomenon is not new. The case of Nazmul Hassan, the BCB president, is a prime
example. His comments about Mushfiqur Rahim were misinterpreted and twisted,
leading to widespread outrage among fans. Similarly, when players like Soumya
Sarkar or Liton Das choose to avoid certain journalists, they are often
subjected to public criticism and their reputations are undermined. This
behaviour not only harms the individuals involved but also damages the overall
image of Bangladesh cricket.
One must
ask: what is the real contribution of these journalists to Bangladesh cricket?
Beyond sensationalizing stories and spreading misinformation, what positive
impact have they had on the sport? While there are certainly competent and
knowledgeable sports journalists in Bangladesh, a disturbing trend has emerged
where less-skilled individuals with a limited understanding of the game have
gained prominence in the media landscape. This has led to a dilution of the
quality of sports journalism in the country.
The Mashrafe Mortaza Conundrum: Exploiting
Personal Relationships for Professional Gain?
A
particularly troubling aspect of this media-player dynamic is the relationship
between some journalists and key players, notably Mashrafe Mortaza, one of
Bangladesh’s most beloved cricketers. The "bromance" between Mashrafe
and certain journalists has given rise to a harmful syndicate that undermines
the integrity of the sport. These journalists, using their personal
relationships with Mashrafe, have gained easy access to the team and have used
this access to create unnecessary hype and stir controversy.
This
unhealthy influence has led to the creation of sensationalized stories and
conspiracies, which only serve to confuse and divide the fanbase. It raises the
question: is Mashrafe using these journalists for his own benefit? Is he
seeking to manipulate public perception and position himself as a hero by
vilifying others? This manipulation of the media for personal gain is
detrimental to the health of Bangladesh cricket and must be addressed.
The Need for Change: A Call for BCB’s
Intervention
It is high
time that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) takes a firm stance against the
negative influence of certain journalists. A code of conduct needs to be
established, one that ensures that access to players and officials is
controlled and that journalists are held accountable for their actions. The BCB
must prioritize the welfare of the team and the sport over the interests of a
select few journalists who seek to exploit their access for personal or
professional gain.
While
journalism is a noble and challenging profession, it must be practised with
integrity and responsibility. The current state of sports journalism in
Bangladesh, with its emphasis on sensationalism and personal vendettas, is not
only disgraceful but also harmful to the development of the sport. The constant
provocation and manipulation of players and coaches, as seen with former
coaches like Heath Streak and Thilan Samaraweera, have resulted in their
premature departure from the team.
Conclusion: A Call for a More Responsible Media
Bangladesh cricket, its players, and its fans deserve better. The BCB must act swiftly to address the growing issue of negative media influence and ensure that the focus remains on the game, not on personal rivalries or sensationalist stories. The media’s role should be to support and uplift the sport, not to tear it down with misinformation and personal agendas. For the sake of Bangladesh cricket, it is crucial that the BCB enforces stricter guidelines on media access and ensures that the voices of those who truly understand the game and its nuances are the ones that are heard.
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