ICC World Cup 2023: Sri Lanka and Bangladesh Players Refuse to Shae Hands After “Timed Out” Controversy

The Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh ICC ODI World Cup 2023 match was held at the Arun Jaitely Stadium in Delhi. This match would not only go down as one of the most controversial matches of this tournament but also in the entire history of the World Cup.

The match had heated moments from the beginning whether it was controversial statements between Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis and Bangladesh pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib or the stare games between SL’s star batsman Charith Asalanja and Bangladesh bowlers but all hell broke lose when Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews was announced timed out in the 25th over. He is the first cricketer to be given timed out in the entire history of international cricket.

The umpires gave a detailed clarification about the rule but Mathews disagreed. The heated discussion continued till Sri Lanka’s team turned to the field. They gave a feisty reception to Shakib when he walked to bat. Mathews also gave a send-off to Sakib by pointing towards his wrist to signal timed out when the latter was dismissed. The tension continued well after Bangladesh won the match.

ODI World Cup 2023: Angelo Mathews & Shakib AI Hasan Reply To The Timed Out Controversy During SL Vs BAN Clash

Sri Lanka, Bangladesh Players Refuse Handshakes With Each Other

When Bangladesh won the match, the Sri Lankan players shook hands with the umpires and walked off. They REFUSED to shake hands with the Bangladesh team players. The players didn’t line up to exchange pleasantries which is normal after every match. The Sri Lankan players walked off from the ground without handshakes. There were no attempts from Banglades either to douse the fire. But the supporting staff from both teams shook hands.

“Respect the cricket game to get respect from others”: Mathews

When reporters asked Mathews about Sri Lanka’s decision to not shake hands with the Bangladesh players after the match, the Sri Lanka captain said that Bangladesh players didn’t respect them or the game, so they shouldn’t ask for cordial behaviour in return.

Mathews said “Yeah, you need to respect people who respect us. It doesn’t mean that – they have to respect the game itself. I mean, we all are ambassadors of this beautiful game, including the umpires. So then, if you don’t respect and if you don’t use your common sense, what more can you ask for?”

ICC World Cup 2023: Sri Lanka Out of World Cup After Bangladesh Defeat

Sri Lanka team was dismissed from the World Cup Semifinals by Bangladesh. Bangladesh team won by 3 wickets with 9 overs to spare and ended a six-match losing run.