In a surprising turn of 2023 World Cup, players from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh refused to shake hands after a tense 2023 World Cup match. On Monday (November 6), they finished their league stage game at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
The game saw multiple on-field disputes between opposing players, which further escalated after Angelo Mathews was sent off for a timed-out foul. After dismissing Shakib, Mathews made a wristwatch motion to him.
Bangladesh eventually triumphed by three wickets to be in contention for automatic qualifying to the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Post-game, both team players depart in different directions. Witness some tense instances from the game, Watch below:
Kusal Mendis and Shakib Al Hasan React Differently to Angelo Mathews’ Controversial Wicket in World Cup
Sri Lanka’s leader, Kusal Mendis, shared his displeasure about Angelo Mathews getting sent off during the Bangladesh World Cup game. His belief was that there still was time- a few seconds, and felt the umpires made a mistake. He pointed this out during his after-match talk:
“It’s very disappointing – when Angelo came to the crease, there were 5 seconds left. Then he found out strap of the helmet came off. It’s disappointing umpires couldn’t step in and make correct decision.”
Kusal Mendis
Conversely, Bangladesh team captain Shakib Al Hasan supported his choice to contest Mathews, stating it’s within the game’s rules. The versatile player expressed his lack of concern in making the decision, which only aided his team. He stated:
“One of our fielders came to me and said if you appeal now he’ll be out. Then I appealed and the umpires asked me if I’m serious or whether I am going to take it back. It’s in the laws. I don’t know if it’s right or wrong.”
“I was at war and I had to take a decision to make sure my team wins. Right or wrong, there will be debates but if it is in the rules I don’t mind taking those chances. That (altercation with Mathews) helped, bit more fight, I’m 36 and normally fight doesn’t come easily but happy it did today.”
Shakib Al Hasan
On November 9, the Islanders will play their last World Cup league game versus New Zealand at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Meanwhile, on November 11, Bangladesh will meet Australia at the Maharashtra Cricket Association in Pune.