Nidahas Trophy: Bangladesh's win gets marred by clashes among players
Bangladesh's 2-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the 6th match of the Nidahas Trophy has been marred with controversy. Players from both the sides were involved in an ugly spat in the final over of the game. The Tigers' captain, Shakib Al Hasan even signalled the batsmen to forfeit the match but in the end senses prevailed and Mahmudullah stole a thriller.
What led to the big fight?
Bangladesh needed 12 runs from the last 6 balls to secure a victory and seal their spot in the final. Sri Lankan pacer Isuru Udana bowled two short balls, one of which led to the dismissal of Bangladesh's star Mustafizur Rahman. However, the Tigers thought that the square-leg umpire had signalled a shoulder-height no-ball but the umpire actually had ruled it a legal delivery.
How did the big fight break out?
Following the confusion over Mustafizur Rahman, the Bangladesh players were arguing with the umpire. At the same moment, Bangladesh's substitute player got involved in an ugly spat with Lankan players which led to 'minor' physical altercation. After watching this, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hassan walked down the stairs till the boundary rope and asked his players to come off the field.
How was the order restored?
The atmosphere inside the Bangladesh's dressing room was all charged up and the captain was even ready to forfeit the match. However, the umpires intervened and after a long break, play was finally resumed. Mahmudullah helped Bangladesh secure a 2 wicket victory.
What did the players have to say about it?
"It's very emotional. We saw the leg umpire signalling a no-ball and that's why we were complaining. That created the confusion. It's a gentleman's game, everyone should have behaved better, especially from our team, we could have done it nicely." Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal said.
The controversy after Bangladesh's victory
The controversy did not end with the Tigers winning the match. Post the match, Bangladesh's dressing room window was found shattered. The ground staff has been asked to check the CCTV footage to find out who was behind this action. The ground staff reported the incident to the board but they were unsure who is behind it.
What is going to happen after this controversy?
The Sri Lankan Cricket Board will examine the CCTV footage to find the perpetrator, while the ground staff has been asked to submit a detailed report to the match referee before 12 noon on Saturday. The umpires are also examining the footage of the scuffle that broke on the field to see if any player needs to be charged for his actions.
