In a passionate outburst, Sri Lanka‘s star all-rounder Angelo Mathews has voiced his concerns regarding the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) scheduling policies, which he believes are undermining the future of Test cricket. With only four Test matches scheduled for Sri Lanka in 2025 and six in 2026, Mathews’ frustrations reflect a growing sentiment among players and fans alike about the diminishing opportunities for the longest format of the game.

Angelo Mathews reacts on disheartening reality of Sri Lanka’s Test schedule

Mathews took to social media to express his disbelief at the stark reduction in Test matches, tweeting, “Absolutely shocking to hear that Sri Lanka is only playing 4 test matches this entire year, including the Australia Tests this month. @ICC.”

Absolutely shocking to hear that srilanka is only playing 4 test matches this entire year including the aus tests this month @ICC .

— Angelo Mathews (@Angelo69Mathews) January 6, 2025

His remarks underline a broader issue within international cricket, where shorter formats often overshadow traditional Test matches, leading to a significant imbalance in scheduling. In an interview with a Sri Lankan newspaper, Mathews elaborated on his discontent. He emphasized that the current scheduling not only hampers players’ careers but also disrupts the rhythm essential for maintaining form.

“It鈥檚 really disheartening to wait a year between Tests. Cricket is about rhythm, and such long breaks disrupt everything, affecting players鈥?careers. I hope ICC and SLC will look into this and work out a much fairer scheduling,” Mathews lamented. This sentiment resonates deeply with many cricketers who thrive on consistent match exposure.

Also READ:聽Steve Smith likely to lead Australia in the absence of Pat Cummins for S??ri Lanka Tests?? 鈥?Reports

The implications for players and the game

Sri Lanka鈥檚 bleak Test schedule is particularly concerning as they gear up for critical series that could impact their World Test Championship (WTC) aspirations. The team begins 2025 with a two-Test match series against Australia but faces a daunting five-month gap before their next series against Bangladesh. In 2026, their commitments remain minimal, with just six Tests lined up against West Indies, India, and Pakistan.

For seasoned players like Mathews, who is nearing the end? of his illustrious career at 37 years old, this lack of opportunities poses a significant barrier to reaching personal milestones. With 8,042 runs in 116 Tests, Mathews needs just 1,958 more runs to join the exclusive 10,000-run club.

鈥?em>It鈥檚 very disappointing not to get that many Tests鈥?he added, highlighting how cr?ucial consistent play is for maintaining ??form and fitness.

Former captain Dimuth Karunaratne shares similar concerns. At 36 years old and with 7,165 runs in 98 matches, he too dreams of reaching the coveted 10,000-run mark but feels uncertain?? about his future in Test cricket due to the sparse schedule.

The broader impact on future generations

The ramifications of this scheduling crisis extend beyond veteran players like Mathews and Karunaratne. Young cricketers are deprived of vital experience that comes with regular Test matches鈥攁n opportunity essential for develo??ping endurance, tactical skills, and mental resilience. Without adequate exposure to the rigors?? of Test cricket, emerging talents may struggle to adapt when they eventually step onto the international stage.

Despite these challenges, Mathews remains hopeful about Sri Lanka鈥檚 prospects in the WTC. A successful series against Australia could pave the way for their first-ever WTC final appearance if other results fall into place. 鈥?em>We鈥檙e determined to give it our all against the Aussies,鈥?he declared.

Sri Lanka’s current predicament serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for ICC intervention. By addressing these scheduling inequalities and ensuring fair opportunities for all nations, the ICC can help safeguard the legacy of Test cricket and its future as a cherished format within the sport.

Also READ:聽Matt Hen?ry, Will Young s??hine in New Zealand鈥檚 thumping win over Sri Lanka in 1st ODI

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A controversial ball change during the first Test between England and Sri Lanka has sparked a heated debate, with Sri Lankan veteran Angelo Mathews voicing his displeasure at what he described as a crucial and “unfair” decision. The incident took place during Sri Lanka’s second innings at the Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, as part of Sri Lanka鈥檚 tour of England 2024?, and proved to be a decisive moment in the match.

Ball change controversy sparks during England vs Sri Lanka clash

Sri Lanka, trailing after their first innings, looked to be staging a strong fightback when Mathews, alongside Kamindu Mendis, formed a solid partnership. The pair had weathered England’s bowling attack effectively, grinding down the shine of the ball and putting Sri Lanka in a comfortable position. However, the match took a dramatic turn when England was awarded a ball change, a move that many, including Mathews, considered to be unjust.

The ball change immediately had a significant impact on the game. Mathews, who had been well-set at the crease with 65 runs, was dismissed soon after the fresh ball was introduced. England capitalized on the renewed movement generated by the new ball, swinging the game back in their favor. The sudden shift in momentum proved to be a pivotal point, ultimately leading to England’s five-wicket victory.

Also READ: Twitter r??eactions: Joe Root shine??s in England鈥檚 nervy victory over Sri Lanka in Manchester Test.

Angelo Mathews’ comments on the controversy聽

Speaking to Test Match Special ahead of the fou?rth day鈥檚 play, Mathews expres??sed his frustration over the incident, labeling it as the turning point in the match.

“It was unfortunate, to be honest. Yesterday, we were sitting pretty until the ball was changed, I think it could be unfair for batters on both teams because the batters want to get rid of the hard, shiny ball. Once we got to the 48-over mark, we were quite comfortably playing them,” he remarked.

Mathews went on to explain how the new ball completely altered the dyna??mics? of the game.

“Once the ball was changed, it shifted the entire momentum. It started swinging both ways and nipping back in, making it incredibly difficult for us. The batters are waiting to get rid of the hardness of the ball, and it’s unfortunate that the change came when it did. It really changed the complexion of the game,” he added.

Despite Sri Lanka鈥檚 strong resistance, England’s bowlers found renewed life with the fresh ball, which played a significant role in their eventual triumph. The victory marked an important win for England as they claimed the first Test in the three-match series.

The ball ch??ange controversy has now cast a shadow over what was otherwise an exciting contest. Many critics have raised concerns about the consistency of decisions regarding ball replacements, and how such calls can heavily influenc?e the course of a match. While the decision favored England this time, questions linger over the fairness of the situation for both teams.

Also READ: Youngest wicketkeepers to smash a Test century for Engl??and 鈥?feat Jamie Smith

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Former champions Sri Lanka have suffered a premature exit from the Group stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The Wanindu Hasaranga-led side’s fate was sealed when the Netherlands successfully batted for the required five overs against Bangladesh, regardless of the remaining group outcomes. Sri Lanka’s failure to reach the semi-finals extends their streak to four consecutive tournaments without advancing past the group stage, with their last semi-final appearance dating back to their title-winning campaign in 2014.

Disastrous campaign and apology from Angelo Mathews

Sri Lanka’s campaign in the T20 World Cup has been marred by consecutive defeats against South Africa and Bangladesh, coupled with a washed-out match against Nepal, resulting in only one point from three games. Speaking ahead of the Netherlands game, Angelo Mathews, a veteran cricketer with ?extensiv?e experience, issued a heartfelt apology on behalf of the team, expressing their collective disappointment and acknowledging that they have let down the entire nation.

“We’ve let the entire nation down and we are really sorry because we’ve let ourselves down,” Mathews said in a press conference. “We never expected this. We came across a lot of challenges but those are not something to worry about. It’s unfortunate that we didn’t make the second round,” Matthews said.

Also WATCH: Mark Watt removes Glenn Maxwell with peach of a delivery during AUS vs SCO game in ??T20 World?? Cup 2024

Reflection on Sri Lanka’s expectations and performance

Entering the tournament with a promising record, including recent wins against Afghanistan and Bangladesh in bilateral series, Sri Lanka had high hopes bolstered by the experience of several players in the shortest format. However, their early exit underscores the challenges faced?? in translating domestic form into international success, prompting reflections on strategic improvements needed for future campaigns.

“That’s something we regret because [with] the way we played Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Bangladesh in Bangladesh, I thought we didn’t do justice to our capabilities in this tournament. When you come into a World Cup, you can’t take any team lightly but unfortunately, the way we played against those teams just before the World Cup, and then once we came back here and the way we played, obviously the wickets were quite different but we didn’t do justice to ourselves,” the 37-year-old added.

Looking ahead to the final Group Match

Despite the disappointment, Sri Lanka remains focused on their final group match against the Netherlands, scheduled for Sunday (June 16), at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St. Lucia. Mathews emphasized the team’s determination not to underestimate their opponents, particularly after witnessing Nepal’s narrow loss to South Africa.

“We can’t take any given team lightly. We saw Nepal almost beat South Africa. It’s unfortunate that our Nepal game was washed out, but it is what it is. We have just one more game in the tournament and we’ll play for our pride,” Mathews concluded.

Also聽READ: T20 World Cup 鈥?Netizens react as Australia鈥檚 ??last-??over victory over Scotland sends England to Super Eight

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Cricket has always been a sport that thrives on intense rivalries, passionate battles, and memorable moments. The recent T20 series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh was no exception as the Sri Lankan players celebrated their series victory in a cheeky manner, poking fun at Bangladesh over a controversial incident involving Angelo Mathews.

The rollercoaster T20I series

The three-match T20 series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka proved t?o be a roller-coaster ride for fans, with nail-biting enco?unters and twists at every turn. The first match saw Sri Lanka emerge victorious by a slender margin of 3 runs, showcasing the competitive spirit between the two teams. Bangladesh retaliated in the second T20, winning convincingly by eight wickets, setting the stage for a thrilling series decider.

Sri Lanka’s dominance in the decider

The third T20I witnessed an exceptional performance from the Sri Lankan side as they outplayed the hosts in both batting and bowling departments. The Islanders’ comprehensive victory in the final game secured the series (2-1) and provided the players with an opportunity to celebrate their success in a unique way.

The timed out celebration by Angelo Mathews and other Sri Lanka players

After the final match, during the customary trophy pose, Sri Lankan players couldn’t resist a playful dig at their Bangladeshi counterparts. The cricketers tapped their wrists with their fingers in a lighthearted manner, signalling the infamous ‘timed out’ dismissal that involved Mathews in the ODI World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh.

Here’s the video:

Timed Out celebration by Sri Lanka team! #BANvSL#timeout #Bangladesh #SriLanka #t20i pic.twitter.com/xA31sNd657

— RaFi uL (@techrafu) March 10, 2024

Also READ: Shoaib Malik鈥檚 wife Sana Jav??ed goes ecstatic as her husband鈥檚 last-ball boundary help Karac?hi Kings beat Lahore Qalandars

The background of the 鈥榯imed out鈥?gesture

The ‘timed out’ celebration had a deeper connection to a controversial incident involving Mathews during the ODI World Cup 2023 where the all-rounder struggled with a defective helmet and arrived late on the field during a crucial match against Bangladesh. Despite the circumstances, opposition skipper Shakib Al Hasan went ahead with the appeal, resulting in Mathews being timed out, The incident had sparked a huge ?controversy back then.

Najmul Hossain Shanto’s reaction

In response to the cheeky celebration, Bangladesh’s Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed his displeasure. Shanto emphasized that there was no need to handle the situation aggressively, stating that the Sri Lankan team seemed to be lingering on the ‘timed out’ dismissal incident. He urged them to move on and focus on the present, highlighting that Bangladesh played within the rules of cricket to get Mathews out in World Cup.

“There is nothing to handle aggressively when it comes to this. I think they are yet to move on from the timed-out dismissal. They should move on and stay in the present since we didn鈥檛 do anything which outside the rules of cricket. I think they are making a fuss of it, but we are not worried about it,” said Shanto.

Also READ: Ben Stokes comes up with an honest assessment of India series and reveals the reason behind England鈥??檚 loss

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Angelo Mathews and Wanindu Hasaranga showcased outstanding all-round performances, supported by a solid half-century from Sadeera Samarawickrama, as Sri Lanka continued Afghanistan’s winless streak in the ongoing tour, clinching the T20I series 2-0 with on?e match remaining at Dambulla.

Samarawickrama’s fifty and contributions from the two all-rounders propelled Sri Lanka to a commanding total. After his unbeaten innings, Mathews also made an impact with the ball, triggering a top-order collapse for Afghanistan.

Sri Lanka set a formidable total against Afghanistan

In the early stages of the match, Sri Lanka’s openers set a brisk pace, stitching a rapid 45-run partnership in under four overs. Despite this fiery start, Afghanistan managed to break through when Azmatullah Omarzai dismissed Pathum Nissanka. The loss of Nissanka and Kusal Mendis halted Sri Lanka’s momentum momentarily.

Samarawickrama’s composed fifty, coupled with valuable cameos, stabilized Sri Lanka’s innings after the early setbacks. Contributions from Hasaranga and Mathews in the later overs propelled Sri Lanka to a formidable total of 187/6. Mathews, in particular, played a crucial role, smashing four sixes and two fours in his 22-ball 42 not, which proved pivotal in Sri Lanka’s late surge.

Also READ: IPL 2024 – Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) announces replacement for Gus Atkinson

Sri Lanka bundled out Afghanistan for 115

Mathews and Binura Fernando struck early blows with the ball during Afghanistan’s chase. Mathews’ double breakthroughs in the powerplay overs set the tone for Sri Lanka, with Fernando also making crucial inroads. Despite a brief resistance from Mohammad Nabi and Karim Janat, Afghanistan’s chase faltered, and they eventually got all out for just 115 (17 overs), losing the match by a significant margin of 72 runs.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

What a win for Sri Lanka. The experienced A??ngelo Mathews saved the day for us 馃嚤馃嚢 with his all round brilliance.?

Captain Wani??du Hasaranga and his w??orld class bowling attack defended the score with ease.

Things are heading the right way. Exciting times ahead. #slvafg pic.twitter.com/og7lNNwjhw

— Amila Kalugalage (@akalugalage) February 19, 2024

1锔忊儯0锔忊儯0锔忊儯 Wickets Strong!

Massive congratulations to our skipper, Wanindu Hasaranga, on achieving the incredible feat of 1锔忊儯0锔忊儯0锔忊儯 T20I wickets!馃帀 馃嚤馃嚢#SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/aOQsCnu4nm

— Sri Lanka Cricket 馃嚤馃嚢 (@OfficialSLC) February 19, 2024

Another series win for 馃嚤馃嚢 馃檶

Building nicely before T20 WC

– Bench strength coming together 馃挭
– Roles being defined 鉁?/p>

Still a couple of tweaks to be made & also believe @OfficialSLC need a 6:5 combo but happy to be kept proven wrong & 馃嚤馃嚢 finding ways to win! 馃槵#SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/XhFcq0kdKe

— Prad Navaratnam (@prad_nava) February 20, 2024

Most powerplay wickets for Sri Lanka in T20Is. #SLvAFG

Nuwan Kulasekara – 34 wickets
Angelo Mathews – 33 wickets pic.twitter.com/fwKOw91eFA

— Thurunu Jayasiri (@ThurunuJ) February 19, 2024

//twitter.com/Sakun_SD/status/1759617954499731544

RESULT | SRI LANKA WON BY 72 RUNS 馃毃

AfghanAtalan have put on a dismal batting performance as they have been bundled out for 115 runs in 17 overs to lose the game by 72 runs. #AfghanAtalan | #SLvAFG2024 pic.twitter.com/M9XF64cOVO

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) February 19, 2024

Sri Lanka take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the T??20I series with big win in Dambulla 鈿?a href="//twitter?.com/hashtag/SLvAFG?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" data-wpel-link="exclude">#SLvAFG 馃摑: //t.co/s4V9iYnDq1 pic.twitter.com/RaxIoTjTAL

— ICC (@ICC) February 19, 2024

Man of the Match: Angelo Mathews#cricket #SLvAFG #AngeloMathews #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/Kjs6qr78Ub

— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 20, 2024

Also WATCH: India pacer Jasprit Bumrah playfully t??aunts England ??batters for their sluggish approach

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In the wake of Sri Lanka’s remarkable three-wicket triumph over Zimbabwe in the first T20I, the spotlight shifted to former Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews, whose stellar performance with a thumping knock of 48 runs played a crucial anchoring role in secu??ring victory for his team.

What made Mathews’ contribution even more noteworthy was the fact that he received a T20I call-up after a prolonged hiatus of three years. Post-match, the 36-year-old cricketer candidly expressed his frustration, criticizing the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) for seemingly overlooking him for an ??extended period.

Mathews’ powerful comeback not only underscored his enduring skills on the field but also raised questions about the selection decisions that had kept him sidelined from the T20I squad for such a substantial period.

Angelo Mathews lambasts at Sri Lanka Cricket

Mathews voiced his frustration at being overlooked for T20 World Cups (2021 and 2022) despite delivering stellar performances with both bat and ball in the last two Lanka Premier League (LPL) seasons. He suggested that decisions may have been influenced by undisclosed agendas and expressed disappointment at his team’s failure to qualify for the Champions Trophy 2025.

“In the last two Lanka Premier League (LPL) seasons, I batted and bowled well, but unfortunately, I wasn’t selected for the T20 World Cups, and I wasn’t given reasons for that. “If you take decisions that are driven by agendas, these kinds of things can happen – we haven’t even qualified for the Champions Trophy,” Matthews said ?in the post-match presentation ceremony.

Also READ: Brian Lara identifies two players crucial to West Indies鈥?hopes for orchestrating a maj?or Test upset against Australia

A look at Mathews’ distinguished T20I career

Mathews has been a key figure in the Sri Lanka Cricket Team for an extended period. His impactful presence in 79 T20I matches has seen him amass 1194 runs, punctuated by five half-centuries. Beyond his batting prowess, the Colombo-based has been a valuable asset to the national side, contributing significantly with the ball. His 38 wickets, coupled with an impressive economy rate of 6.99, underline the juggernaut’s multifaceted role as a seasoned all-rounder for his nation.

Also READ- AUS vs WI 2024: West Indies鈥?best pla?ying XI for Test series against Australia

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Sri Lanka Cricket (SCL) have announced their men’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe, starting January 14 at R.Premadasa??? Stadium in Colombo.

Angelo Mathews returns to T20I setup

In a surprising yet significant move, veteran cricketer Angelo Mathews has been included in Sri Lanka’s squad. The 36-year-old, absent from the T20I scene since 2021, is once again in contention, showcasing his resilience and experience during a crucial World Cup year.

Notably, the T20I leg will also witness the leadership transition as Wanindu Hasaranga takes on the role of Sri Lanka’s full-time captain in the shortest format. The star all-rounder was recently entrusted with leading the side, displaying the team management’s faith in his abilities to guide the team to success.

Squad highlights – Nuwan Thushara, Akila Dananjaya, and Kamindu Mendis make a comeback

Notable additions to the squad include the return of Nuwan Thushara, who has shown remark??able progress in domestic cricket and various franchise leagues worldwide. The 29-year-old, recently acquired by Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2024 auction, is set to bring his ??experience and skills to the Sri Lankan team.

In a bid to strengthen the spin department, Akila Dananjaya has also made a comeback, providing additional options as Sri Lanka prepares for the upcoming T20 World Cup in West Indies and USA. Kamindu Mendis, an ambidextrous all-rounder, also makes a return to the squad, adding versatility to the team’s spin resources.

Also READ: Virat Kohli’s three-word reaction on Mohammed Shami receiving the prestigious Arjuna Award goes viral

Captaincy structure and fitness concerns

Charith Asalanka, who previously served as the vice-captain in the ODI side, will reprise his role in the T20?I format. The? leadership structure aims to provide stability and experience to guide the team through the challenges of the upcoming series.

However, opener Pathum Nissanka‘s participation remains uncertain as the batter is under the injury cloud. His inclusion in the squad is contingent on a fitness test, adding an element of suspense to Sri Lanka’s squad announcement.

Sri Lanka squad for T20I series against Zimbabwe:

Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kusal Janith Perera, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka. Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis, Pathum Nissanka – subject to fitness, Maheesh Theekshana. Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Akila Dananjaya

Also READ: Cricket legend S??ourav Ganguly names Team India鈥檚 captain for the T20 World Cup 2024

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New Zealand are taking on Sri Lanka in Match 41 of the ODI World Cup 2023 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The clash holds significant importance for the BlackCaps as the result of this cricketing affair will play a pivotal role in determining their semi-final spot. On the other side, the Lankans are already eliminated from the ongoing tournament and are eyeing their place in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.

Sri Lanka’s batting collapse

Sri Lanka faced a challenging situation after being asked to bat first. The top order crumbled, with in-form Pathum Nissanka falling early and Black Caps pacer Trent Boult showcasing his class by dismissing skipper Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama.

Kusal Perera, however, capitalized on a dropped chance and played a blistering innings, reaching his fifty in just 22 balls, the second-fastest in Sri Lanka’s World Cup history. Despite Perera’s efforts, wickets continued to tumble, but Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva provided a semblance of recovery. Mitchell Santner, though, broke their partnership by dismissing Mathews and Lockie Ferguson outsmarted Karunaratne.

Maheesh Theekshana and Dilshan Madushanka resisted with the highest 10th wicket partnership for the Islanders in ODI World Cups (43 runs), but Madushanka’s dismissal left Theekshana unbeaten on 38 as Sri Lanka finished at 171 in 46.4 overs.

Also READ: Adam Gilchrist shares his insights on how to beat India in ODI Wo?rld Cup 2023

Mitchell Santner’s mind-boggling delivery to dismiss Angelo Mathews

In a moment of cricketing intrigue during the 17th over, Santner bowled a masterful delivery, a well-executed good-length slower pitching outside off. While attempting to defend, Mathews found himself deceived as the ball turned and bounced unexpectedly. The result was a deflection off the right-handed batter’s gloves, leading the ball to gracefully find its way to slips, where Daryl Mitchell secured a comfortable catch.

Also READ – ODI World Cup 2023: Virat Kohli reveals the city other than Delhi that feels lik??e a home to h??im

Here is the video:

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The ODI World Cup 2023 witnessed a massive controversy during the Sri Lanka-Bangladesh match in Delhi when Bangladesh’s captain, Shakib Al Hasan, appealed for a timed-out dismissal against Sri Lankan batter Angelo Mathews. The uproar escalated when the umpires upheld Shakib’s appeal, leading to widespread criticism within the cricketing community.

As per the rules for the 2023 World Cup, a ne??w batter must face his first ball within two minutes after the previous batter has been dismissed. M?athews had reached the crease on time, but he encountered an issue with his helmet strap and requested a replacement.

Michael Atherton’s scathing critique

Former England cricketer and renowned commentator Michael Atherton expressed his strong disapproval of Shakib’s actions. He emphasized that it was crucial to uphold the laws of the game, but questioned Shakib’s decision.

“I don’t think the umpires were at fault because it is their job to uphold the laws of the game. But terrible from Shakib [Al Hasan]. It’s common sense. I haven’t spoken to one former player, yet, who thinks Bangladesh were in the right to do what they did. So, I have great sympathy for Angelo Mathews and Sri Lanka. I thought it was very poor from Shakib,” Atherton told Star Sports.

Harbhajan Singh questions the umpires

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh raised concerns about the umpires’ role in this controversial dismissal. He highlighted that Mathews was prepared to face his first ball and needed a new helmet due to a broken strap. Harbhajan believed that the situation was unnecessarily escalated and criticized the umpires for upholding Shakib’s appeal.

“Mathews had come in at the right time and was ready to face his first ball. When he adjusted his helmet, he realized that the hook was broken. It鈥檚 obvious that he would want to change his helmet. He called for a new helmet. By the time a new helmet was brought it, Shakib appealed that two minutes had passed and the umpires upheld it. An issue was made out of nothing because he was given out. This is cricket, not a joke. For other stuff like dew and drama of players falling down, a lot of time is given. The umpires should have intervened in the matter and should have given a not out decision,” said Harbhajan on his YouTube channel.

Also READ: ODI World Cup 2023 – Angelo Mathews shares ‘evidence’ after fourth umpire terms his ‘timed-out’ dismissal legitimate

Misbah-ul-Haq questions Spirit of the Game

Former Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq expressed his disbelief over the appeal made by Shakib. He believed that the incident was a matter of seconds and questioned the “spirit of the game,” emphasizing that he would not have made such an appeal if he were the captain.

“Where is the common sense? He was ready to take the guard, strap fell out. I would have never appealed at the first place. This is against the true spirit of the game There was nothing. It was the mattter of 10-15 seconds, it doesn鈥檛 matter. Where is the spirit of the game? Cricket was gone,” said Misbah on A Sports.

Matthew Hayden’s strong words

Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden took a strong stance against the incident, terming it a severe blow to the spirit of cricket. He stated that cricket was a gentlemanly game, not a “win-at-all-cost” competition. Hayden’s comments highlighted the ethical and sportsmanship aspects of cricket that he felt were compromised.

“I had a problem with [non-striker runouts], but I am not sure what you call my problem with this incident because it just goes to a new level of damage to the Spirit of the Game. I don’t care what code that you put up here, the laws of the game, it’s common sense. It’s a gentlemanly game, it’s not a win-at-all-cost game,” said Hayden on Star Sports.

Also READ: List o?f 7 batters with timed out dismissals in professional cricket

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