The 2023 ODI World Cup match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka proved to be an intense match. These two sides have a history of animosity, and during their match on Monday in Delhi, things took a turn for the worse when Bangladeshi captain Shakib Al Hasan declined to withdraw an appeal for a timed out, forcing Angelo Mathews to make the long walk back without having to face a ball.
Trevin Mathews, Angelo’s brother, warned Shakib that if he dared to play in Sri Lanka, the island nation’s supporters might throw stones at him.
“We feel really let down. The captain of Bangladesh lacked a sense of sportsmanship and displayed no compassion during the gentleman’s game. In Sri Lanka, Shakib is not welcomed. Stones will be hurled at him or he will have to deal with the ire of the spectators if he comes here to play any international or LPL matches, Trevin told Deccan Chronicle.
The contentious event took place in Sri Lanka’s batting during the 25th over. With the wicket of Sadeera Samarawickrama falling, Mathews strolled to the middle. The previous captain of Sri Lanka discovered that his helmet’s strap was damaged. Before he could take the field, the on-field umpires informed him that he had run out of time. He had called for a new helmet. Mathews approached Shakib, presumably to ask him to back down from the appeal, but the seasoned all-round player refused to comply.
This created a heated discussion on social media. Experts like Michael Atherton and Matthew Hayden chastised Shakib.
Allan Donald, the bowling coach for Bangladesh, too expressed his disapproval of the current situation on the ground following the game.
After chasing down the 280-run total in the 42nd over, Bangladesh went on to win the match by three wickets. Ironically, Shakib’s all-around performance—which included two wickets and a thrilling 82 off 65 balls—earned him the title of Player of the Match. Fans of Sri Lanka will believe that although the conflict may seem lost, it is far from done.
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