"Disgraceful from Shakib Al Hasan and Bangladesh,": Angelo Mathews slams Shakib & Co

Angelo Mathews slammed Shakib Al Hasan & Co. in the post-match press conference in Delhi.

Sri Lanka’s semi-final hopes in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 ended with a three-wicket loss to Bangladesh. Angelo Mathews made history as the first player in international cricket to be timed-out. Tensions rose as Mathews delayed his time to come to crease and requested a new helmet, which malfunctioned, leading to an appeal by Bangladesh’s captain Shakib Al Hasan. After which, Mathews was given “timed out” in the first innings.

Charith Asalanka’s impressive 108 off 105 helped Sri Lanka reach a total of 279. The match was marked by heated exchanges, especially directed towards Shakib during his batting. However, Shakib’s resilience and an excellent partnership with Najmul Hossain Shanto, scoring 82 off 65, powered Bangladesh’s chase. Mathews played a dramatic role in Shakib’s dismissal and also removed Shanto.

The game saw frequent wickets for Sri Lanka, but Bangladesh secured their second win, marking their first-ever victory against Sri Lanka in the World Cup.

Angelo Mathews’ Controversial Dismissal: Post-Match Response

During the post-match press conference, Angelo Mathews was asked, “How did you feel when you were given out at that point in time, and would you have approached it differently if you were at the other end?”

To which, Angelo Mathews emphasised he didn’t do anything wrong and said it was a equipment malfunction, which caused the delay. Mathews said, “Yeah, because I haven’t done anything wrong. I have two minutes to get to the crease and get myself ready, which I did. And then it was an equipment malfunction.”

Mathews further slammed Shakib Al Hasan and Bangladesh team and called the move from opponents “disgraceful.” Mathews also claimed he was right on time and there were still five seconds to go when he saw his helmet’s strap was broken.

Mathews stated, “And I don’t know where the common sense went, because obviously it’s obviously disgraceful from Shakib and Bangladesh if they want to play cricket like that obviously stooped down to that level I think there’s something wrong drastically because – if I got late if I got past my two minutes to get to the crease and in the law says you have to be ready within the two minutes and I was there two minutes 45 or 50 seconds – I still had after my helmet broke off, I still had five more seconds to go.

“And the umpires also have said to our coaches that they didn’t see my helmet breaking. I mean, I was just asking for my helmet. So, it was just pure common sense. I’m not talking about mankading or obstructing the field here. This is just pure common sense and bringing the game into disrepute. It is absolutely disgraceful.” Mathews added.

The Need for a Sensible Approach

Angelo Mathews explained that he was well within the two-minute rule for taking his position at the crease during this incident. He claimed Sri Lanka have video evidence to support this, showing that even after the catch was taken and he walked to the crease, he still had five seconds left before he was timed out due to a helmet malfunction. Mathews emphasized the importance of player safety and questioned whether it was reasonable for him to take guard without his helmet, stating that it was a matter of common sense.

“And if it’s within the rule, it’s fine. But the rule clearly says, in my incident today, within two minutes I was there. We have video evidence. We will put out a statement later on. We have video evidence, footage, everything was looked. I’m not just coming and saying things here. I’m talking with proof.“

So, we have the video evidence where from the time the catch was taken, and then from the time I walked into the crease, I still had five seconds after breaking my helmet. So, we talk about safety of the players – you guys tell me if It’s right for me to take my guard without my helmet on? It’s just pure common sense.” Mathews concluded.

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