Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons has condemned the racial abuse aimed at wicketkeeper-batter Jaker Ali, expressing his disgust over the matter and urging his players to refrain from engaging on social media.
Speaking at a recent press conference, Simmons addressed growing frustration among fans and players, particularly following criticism involving opening batter Naim Sheikh and the team’s recent batting performances. He took a clear stance against players responding to online backlash.
“I am glad you brought it up because, first of all, I do not agree with players having anything to do with social media,” Simmons said. “It is your right as a person to be on social media, to say what you want on social media. But as an international player, as a national player for Bangladesh, my players should not be on there.”
Simmons was particularly firm in his response to racial comments made against Jaker Ali, calling them unacceptable. “It is not nice to bring racial tones into anything to do with players. I do not care where you are from, the racial part of it, I am disgusted with against Jaker Ali. That is not nice.”
The coach made it clear that while he respects personal freedoms, he believes national players should avoid the distractions and potential harm of online platforms. “I do not want my players answering anything on social media,” he concluded.
Simmons’ remarks come at a time when the Bangladesh cricket team is facing scrutiny both for results on the field and interactions off it, with the coach now looking to shield his players from external pressures.
