World Cup 2023: I don’t know if it’s right or wrong but it is in the laws – Shakib Al Hasan on Angelo Mathews’ controversial dismissal

Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan revealed he didn’t mind taking his chances as he appealed for Angelo Mathews ‘Timed Out’ at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on Monday. After Sadeera Samarawickrama was dismissed, Mathews walked out to bat but found his helmet strap was broken.

Mathews asked for a replacement but in the meantime, Hasan appealed for Timed Out. The on-field umpires – Marais Erasmus and Richard Illingworth – adjudged the Sri Lankan all-rounder ‘Out’ and he became the first player to be given Timed Out in International cricket.

Hasan admitted it is debatable what he did was right or wrong but he played by the laws of the game. The Bangladesh captain said he was at war and he did what was best for his team.

Shakib said in the post-match presentation, “One of our fielders came to me and said if you appeal now he’ll be out. Then I appealed and the umpires asked me if I was serious or whether I am going to take it back. It’s in the laws. I don’t know if it’s right or wrong. I was at war and I had to take a decision to make sure my team wins. Right or wrong, there will be debates but if it is in the rules I don’t mind taking those chances.”

On the other hand, Hasan played a match-winning knock of 82 runs and added 169 runs with Najmul Hossain Shanto, who scored 90 runs. This was the first century stand for the Tigers in the ongoing World Cup. Furthermore, Hasan returned with figures of 2-57 in his quota of 10 overs and thus he was awarded Player of the Match.

Hasan added that the altercation with Angelo Mathews egged him on. He added, “That (altercation with Mathews) helped, a bit more fight, I’m 36 and normally fight doesn’t come easily but happy it did today.”

Bangladesh will play their last match of the World Cup 2023 against Australia at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on Saturday.