The third and final ODI between India and Bangladesh ended in a tie but controversy does not seem to be dying down any soon. Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur had criticised the umpiring in the decider calling it ‘pathetic’ in the post-match presentation as she was given out lbw despite getting bat on ball. Harmanpreet’s post-match comments did not go down well with Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana as she feels that the visiting captain should have not been that harsh.
"I went there to play the match. So let me speak about cricket. Neither we bothered about the pitch nor did we think about the umpires. Every player from our team tried to give their 100 percent. I am not concerned about what they are thinking," Sultana said in the post-match press conference.
"It's what she did and we have nothing to do about it. But as a player, she should have spoken with a bit of manners. It's completely her matter and I would not want to make any comments on her. There were some talks which I cannot disclose. But I felt the environment was not right and so we left the place. Cricket is a respectful sport and is a gentlemen's game.”
Harmanpreet was stunned by the decision of the Bangladesh umpire. She hit the stumps in anger and then signalled to the umpire that she hit the ball with bat first before walking out of the field. Sultana feels that the Indian captain should have respected umpire's decision as it is the final call on the field.
"The umpires wouldn't have given them out had they not been out. Two of the best umpires, who also officiated in men's games, were there. We respected their decision. Why did we not react that way when we were given out? It doesn't matter what the situation is. The umpire's decision is the final decision. The umpiring was excellent. What about the catches and run outs? What do they have to say regarding that?" the wicketkeeper-batter added.
In the post-match press conference, India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana called for neutral umpires as she felt that few lbw decisions were dodgy and the umpire did not even think before raising his finger.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
