SYLHET, Bangladesh: Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have revived tensions stemming from the controversial timed-out dismissal of Angelo Mathews during the 2023 World Cup, with the Sri Lankan team’s recent celebrations sparking renewed debate.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto urged Sri Lanka to move past the contentious incident and focus on the ongoing tour, comprising three one-day internationals and two Tests.
Shanto criticized Sri Lanka’s players for dwelling on the World Cup controversy, emphasizing that the dismissal was within the rules and advising them to concentrate on current matches.
The controversy erupted during a World Cup group-stage match in New Delhi when Mathews was timed out, making him the first player in international cricket history to suffer such a dismissal, following an appeal by Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan.
Despite Mathews’ explanation of a helmet strap issue, the umpires upheld the decision when Bangladesh opted not to withdraw their appeal.
Kusal Mendis, a key player in Sri Lanka’s recent T20 series victory over Bangladesh, acknowledged that the Sri Lankan team had engaged in celebratory gestures related to the timed-out dismissal, asserting their right to rejoice in their achievements.
The incident has reignited tensions between the two cricketing nations, casting a shadow over their upcoming matches, with the first one-day international scheduled for Wednesday in Chittagong.
