ODI World Cup 2023: Sri Lanka and Bangladesh players refuse to shake hands amid time-out row

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh locked horns in the ODI World Cup 2023 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. The Shakib Al Hasan-led side’s all-round performance granted them a three-wicket win over the island nation. The result saw Kuasal Mendis and Co. officially disqualified for the semifinal of the competition. 

There were bizarre events that happened during the clash between the neighbours. One such incident was the dismissal of Sri Lanka all-rounder Angelo Mathews in the 25th over of the game. The veteran was timed out after failing to reach the crease on time, making him the first to get dismissed in this manner in a World Cup game. 

Sri Lanka, who were not pleased with Bangladesh's decision for the appeal for timed out dismissal, intently refused to shake hands with Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Towhid Hridoy who were in the middle at the end of the game. Additionally, players did not line up for a customary post-match handshake as well. Meanwhile, the support staff of both sides was seen engaging in a traditional handshake after the match.

Mathews reveals why Sri Lanka players didn’t shake hands with Bangladesh

Mathews has clarified why he and his teammates did not shake hands with Bangladesh players after the conclusion of the match, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect. Mathews, who became the first-ever batter to be dismissed timed out in international cricket's history, expressed his disappointment with Bangladesh's behaviour. He went on to say that everyone in the competition is an ambassador of the game, but Bangladesh lacked respect and common sense.

“Yeah, you need to respect people who respect us. It doesn’t mean that – they have to respect the game itself. I mean, we all are ambassadors of this beautiful game, including the umpires. So then, if you don’t respect and if you don’t use your common sense, what more can you ask for?” Mathews said at the post-match press conference.