After a decade-long association, Gamini de Silva’s chapter in Bangladesh cricket has come to an end. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has terminated all types of contracts with the Sri Lankan pitch curator before the completion of his tenure. Once a familiar face as the head curator of Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, his tenure ends amid controversy and criticism.
Gamini de Silva started working with BCB in 2010. For over fifteen years, he managed the pitches at Mirpur, overseeing numerous international matches and series. However, controversies gradually increased over time. The slow and spin-friendly nature of Mirpur’s wickets repeatedly drew criticism. He came under direct scrutiny during the recent Pakistan series due to substandard wickets. When the Pakistan team’s coach and captain raised concerns about the wickets in a press conference, BCB was compelled to take action.
Initially, he was moved from Mirpur to Rajshahi, but even there, the board was not satisfied. Eventually, he was relieved from his duties with a two-month notice, despite his contract not having ended. According to BCB sources, he will receive two months’ salary as per regulations, and the official termination documents will be handed over on 2nd November.
With Gamini’s departure, a new chapter begins in Bangladesh’s pitch management. Australian pitch expert Tony Hemming has already taken charge as the head of the Turf Management Department. Hemming, who had earned praise for his successful work in Sylhet, will now oversee pitch management at Mirpur and other major venues across the country, as well as supervise the training of local curators.
