Image Credit- getty
When questioned about Angelo Mathews’ contentious
expulsion during the World Cup match against Sri Lanka in Delhi, Bangladesh
captain Shakib Al Hasan stated that he felt as though he “was at
war”. Due to a helmet malfunction, Mathews became the first player to be
timed out in international cricket history.
In his explanation of the event, Shakib stated that he
was told by a Bangladeshi fielder that Mathews was taking a while to face his
first ball and that they may challenge the call to the umpire.
“One of our fielders came to me and said, ‘If you
appeal now, he will be out, if you are serious’. Then I appealed and the umpire
asked me whether I was serious and whether I was going to take it back or not.
I said no if it is in the rule if it’s out, I [won’t] take it back,”
Shakib said at the post-match presentation after Bangladesh won the contest by
four wickets.
“It is in the laws. I don’t know if it is right
or wrong. But I felt like I was at war. I had to take decision to make sure my
team wins and whatever I had to do, I had to do. Right or wrong – there will be
debates. But if it’s in the rules, I don’t mind taking those chances,”
said Shakib.
Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis, however, said that the
umpires should have used more common sense in the situation. “It is very
disappointing that when Angelo came into the crease, there were couple of
seconds left, for like five seconds left for him to be ready. He found out that
his strap of the helmet has come out. It is an equipment failure. So I’m
disappointed that the umpires couldn’t react on that and add common sense
there,” Mendis said after the match.
“It is unfortunate that it happened during a
crucial time that after the fall of a wicket. Angelo, we expected him to score
some runs for us, and it’s disappointing that the umpires couldn’t step in and
make good decisions at that time.”