Cricketers shouldn’t respond on social media: Phil Simmons
Agency:
After returning home from a humiliating ODI whitewash against Afghanistan, Bangladesh cricketers faced harassment at the airport.
Several players were targeted with offensive comments, prompting batter Naim Sheikh to express his disappointment on social media.
However, Bangladesh Head Coach Phil Simmons believes national players should refrain from responding online. He also strongly condemned any form of racial abuse, saying it is “completely unacceptable.”
Despite Bangladesh reaching the Super Four of the Asia Cup, their overall performance failed to meet expectations, particularly against India and Pakistan, drawing heavy criticism from fans. The mood shifted slightly when Bangladesh whitewashed Afghanistan 3-0 in the T20 series, but the ODI results saw the tables turn dramatically.
In the 50-over format, Bangladesh barely put up a fight, and in the final ODI, they couldn’t even cross the 100-run mark.
Upon returning home, players like Naim Sheikh, Towhid Hridoy, and Taskin Ahmed were jeered at the airport and even faced personal attacks. Some angry fans reportedly rushed toward Naim’s car, leaving the left-handed opener visibly shaken.
Later, Naim posted a message on his official Facebook page, sharing his disappointment and urging fans to offer constructive criticism rather than personal insults. However, his post only triggered more backlash online.
Addressing the issue at a press conference ahead of the West Indies series, head coach Phil Simmons said,
“I’m glad you brought this up. To be honest, I don’t think players should be responding to what happens on social media. Everyone has the right to say what they want online, but as international cricketers, it’s best not to engage or reply.”
Simmons also referenced growing racism in global sports, especially football, where players frequently face racial abuse. Citing the example of Bangladeshi cricketer Jaker Ali Anik, he emphasized that racism in any form is unacceptable.
“Let me be clear, any tone of racial abuse toward players is wrong. I don’t care where it comes from, it’s not acceptable. What happened to Jaker Ali was upsetting, and I want to make sure my players don’t get drawn into responding on social media.”