Shakib Al Hasan’s behaviour leaves Sanjay Manjrekar unimpressed

The virtual semi-final between hosts Sri Lanka and a touring Bangladesh side, in the Nidahas Trophy 2018, made news for two reasons. First, for the thrilling encounter that it was. Second, for the on-field controversy that resulted from an alleged biased umpiring decision. The final over of Bangladesh’s chase unfolded some ugly scenes at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Isuru Udana had the responsibility of defending 12 runs in the final over and bowled a head-high bouncer on the very first ball. He followed it up with another bouncer which eventually led to Mustafizur Rahman’s run out. The umpire initially called the delivery a no-ball, which meant the batting side would’ve got one extra run and a free hit on the next. However, he later turned back on his decision and it was then that Bangladesh players, especially captain Shakib Al Hasan got furious and protested. Shakib, in particular, went overboard with his anger.

His actions did not go down well with former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed his displeasure on Shakib’s conduct. Manjrekar, who is in Sri Lanka as a TV expert, slammed the Bangladeshi captain for his immaturity saying that he almost denied his team a great victory.

“Not impressed by Shakib’s instincts as captain & leader. Wanting to call his players off the field because of umpiring decisions. Nearly denied Bangladesh one of their greatest wins,” tweeted the former cricketer.

“Funnily Khaled Mahmood the manager of Bangladesh team supposed to be the more mature statesman like member of the team was even more fired up than Shakib & more keen to get players off,” he wrote in another tweet.

He further added, “Not hearing the word ‘Sorry’ in Shakib’s post match reactions about his behaviour. Disappointing.”

Beyond the match

The chaos did not end with the match but reports suggest that the players indulged in verbal spats after the game too, and for reason yet to be known, the glass window of Bangladesh’s dressing room was also found broken.

The final will be played between Bangladesh and India on Sunday, but the former will be low on confidence as they remain winless against the Men in Blue in all the seven T20Is they have encountered each other in.

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