Sri Lanka's Refusal to Shake Hands: Unraveling the Post-Match Drama

"Sri Lanka's Refusal to Shake Hands" after a heated clash with Bangladesh at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. 

In a surprising twist at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, the spotlight fell on "Sri Lanka's Refusal to Shake Hands" after a heated clash with Bangladesh at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Beyond the cricketing action and Bangladesh's triumph, the decision by Sri Lankan players, notably led by Angelo Mathews, to forego the traditional handshake ritual added an unexpected layer of controversy. This blog dissects the unfolding saga, exploring the intricacies of a post-match drama that has stirred discussions across the cricketing landscape.

It is important to note that Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka by three wickets to advance out of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 .

But the intense arguments between the players from both teams during the game overshadowed the outcome.

In the 25th over of Sri Lanka's innings, it began. There was a delay as the seasoned all-round player, Angelo Mathews, came to bat because of an issue with his helmet. He brought up the issue and informed the umpire about the strap with the official.

Dramatic scenes in Delhi with Angelo Mathews becoming the first batter to be timed out in international cricket 👀

Details 👉 https://t.co/F3ouVSKFAf#BANvSL #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/M4KRimgtDZ

— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) November 6, 2023

Shakib Al Hasan, the captain of Bangladesh, made an appeal, claiming that the former captain of Sri Lanka had run out of time. Having taken the crease within the two-minute restriction, the latter became the first player to be dismissed in that manner without having to face a ball.

After getting Shakib Al Hasan caught off guard by his own bowling, Angelo Mathews gave him a harsh farewell, demonstrating his lack of forgiveness.

After his partner was dismissed, Sadeera Samarawickrama got into a fight with Najmul Hasan Shanto, who went on to score a match-winning 90-run blow. It is important to note that the latter had originally contacted Shakib Al Hasan and advised him to file an appeal for his dismissal due to a "timed-out" situation.

First time i witnessed A cricket match without handshakes at the end

No Handshakes between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh players 🤝#AngeloMatthews Sara Ali Khan#ShakibAlHasan Ananya Pandey#srilankacricketboard Gill #SriLankaCricket press conference https://t.co/kbl2rjiN1i

— Rahul.S (@Rahulsarsar177) November 6, 2023

After the game, Sri Lankan players failed to greet the Bangladeshi squad, prolonging the tension.

During the post-match presentation, Angelo Mathews stated that they did not respect the Bangladeshi players or the sport, hence they refused to shake hands.

"You have to be respectful of people who are respectful of us. They also need to show respect for the game. The seasoned all-rounder from Sri Lanka stated, "All of us, including the umpires, are ambassadors of this beautiful game." "What more can you ask for if you don't respect and use common sense?"

"Shakib Al Hasan, it's a disgrace from Bangladesh."

Shakib Al Hasan, the captain of Bangladesh, was handed a "timed out" in the most bitter ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match at New Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium, making him the first player in 146 years of international cricket. Angelo Mathews of Sri Lanka called Al Hasan "disgraceful."

After being timed out during the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, Angelo Mathews of Sri Lanka reacts.

When Angelo Mathews stepped out to bat on Monday, he was thrown out for failing to take a strike within the allotted two minutes.

Because he hadn't fastened his helmet strap firmly enough, play hadn't resumed quickly enough, which allowed Shakib Al Hasan to successfully appeal for his wicket.

After the match, a furious Angelo Mathews remarked, "I don't know where the common sense went because obviously it's disgraceful from Shakib and Bangladesh if they want to play cricket and to stoop down to that level." "I feel like there is a serious issue.

"I've never seen a team go down to that level in my 15-year career because the umpires could have gone upstairs and double-checked, and they also obviously acknowledged that it was an equipment malfunction."

Because it was clear-cut and unambiguous, he continued, "I don't think any other team would do that." It was an equipment failure—the helmet had come off. There was also a serious safety concern. Shakib could have chosen to remember me, but he chose not to.

The new player has two minutes to be prepared to receive the ball following the fall of a wicket or the retirement of a batsman, per cricket laws.

Both sides were consulted by on-field umpires Marais Erasmus and Richard Illingworth prior to the decision being affirmed.

The 36-year-old Mathews trudged out, looking confused by his decision to most onlookers.

The match, which Bangladesh won and ruined Sri Lanka's limited hopes of reaching the semi-finals, was heated due to the dismissal, and neither team's players shook hands after the game.

"You must show respect to those who show us respect. They also need to show respect for the game. Regarding the decision to forgo the traditional handshakes following the game, Mathews stated, "We are all ambassadors of this beautiful game, including the umpires."