Pakistan legend Waqar Younis in soup over his critical commentary on Shakib Al Hasan following ‘timed-out’ controversy during Sri Lanka versus Bangladesh's World Cup clash on November 6. Bangladesh's High Court has issued a ruling against Waqar and demanded an explanation from him. Waqar faced scrutiny over his remarks broadcasted during Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh match, particularly concerning the unprecedented ‘timed out’ dismissal of Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews—the first in the 146-year history of international cricket.
Notably, the ruling against Waqar instructed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to explain why they should not lodge a complaint with the ICC to revoke Pakistan great from the list of international commentators in the World Cup 2023.
When Mathews came out to bat, the strap of his helmet snapped after he took the crease for reportedly more than two minutes. This is when Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan appealed to the umpires against Mathews, who was then sent back to the pavilion without facing a ball. Mathews argued that the helmet malfunctioned during his adjustment, not before stepping onto the field. Despite his efforts, Mathews was forced to exit without taking a single delivery, sparking a charged moment. This incident injected vigour into the otherwise subdued match, leading Mathews to engage in a conversation with Shakib, urging him to confer with the umpires.
Waquar, who was commentating along side Russel Arnold, openly criticised Shakib's decision from the commentary box, labelling it as unsportsmanlike.
"It’s against the spirit of the game, that’s what I feel about this. It's such a big moment in this game. Shakib Al Hasan must have appealed because the umpire couldn't have made a decision unless you have appealed. There shouldn't have been an appeal there. Because he was on the field and if there was something wrong with his helmet, he should be allowed to fix it. 2-3 extra minutes wouldn't have made any difference. That's not good scenes, I must say that," Waqar had said on air.
The Bangladesh judiciary, represented by a bench that includes Justice Mustafa Zaman Islam and Justice Md Atabullah, has given BCB and its president a 10-day deadline to respond on Waqar's matter. This followed the preliminary hearing of a writ petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Waliur Rahman Khan.
Meanwhile, following the ‘timed-out’ incident, Angelo Mathews' brother Trevin, who also plays club level cricket, threatened Shakib and said that stones will be thrown at Bangladesh skipper if he comes to Sri Lanka to play any international match or the Lanka Premier League (LPL).
"We are very disappointed. Bangladeshi captain has no sportsman spirit and did not show humanity in the gentleman’s game,” Trevin said.
“We never expected this right from his captain to the rest of the team members. Shakib is not welcome in Sri Lanka. If he comes here to play any international or the LPL matches, stones will be thrown at him, or will have to face the annoyance of the fans. “Angelo was within his crease in the stipulated time but it was not his fault when the strap of his helmet was broken,” he added.
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