Mathews’ claim on time out: 5 seconds were left in 2 minutes, video is proof; Except Bangladesh no one does such thing

In the most explosive press conference of his career, Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews took on the Bangladesh team and its captain Shakib Al Hasan for calling time out in the World Cup 2023 on Monday, November 7. He called the time out shameful. He said that during his 15-year international career, he had never seen any team or player stoop so low.

Mathews said that if there was any other team in place of Bangladesh, it would not have done this. He claimed that he was at the crease and ready to play the ball. When the strap of his helmet broke, there were 5 seconds left for 2 minutes. They have its video as proof. Mathews became the first batsman to be timed out in international cricket.

Angelo Mathews’ statement

During the press conference, Mathews said, “What Shakib and Bangladesh did was shameful. If they want to take wickets like this and stoop so low, then it is a problem. The way Bangladesh played is very disappointing. If there was blocking or obstructing the field, there would be no problem. Within two minutes I was in the crease and while I was in the crease my helmet broke. The umpires saw this. I still had five seconds left. When I showed my helmet, the umpires said that Bangladesh has appealed. So I asked if it was a matter of common sense that not even two minutes had passed for me.”

I don’t think any other team will do that

Matthews further said, “I don’t have words to explain it. In my 15 years of career, I have never seen any team or player stoop so low. Unfortunately the strap breakage incident happened against Bangladesh. I don’t think any other team would do that because everything was as clear as black and white. It was a problem with the equipment. Security should have been kept in mind. We know that without a helmet I could not have faced fast bowling.”

Attitude about Shakib changed

When asked about the incident after the match, Shakib said he knew Mathews from when they played under-19 cricket against each other, but insisted that rules are rules. Mathews said that his perspective about Shakib has changed after the controversy.

I’m talking with proof

“Till date, I have respect for him and the Bangladesh team,” Mathews said. Everyone plays to win. If it’s within the rules, it’s fine. But today in my case I was clearly there within two minutes. We have video evidence and we will give a statement later. I am not just coming here and saying things. I am speaking with evidence. From the time of taking the catch till the time I went into the crease, even after the helmet broke, I still had five seconds.”

Shakib did not withdraw his appeal

The umpires gave Shakib a chance to withdraw his appeal when Mathews explained to them and told Shakib that his helmet strap was broken, but Shakib did not back down. Mathews said, “Yes, Shakib had the option to withdraw the appeal. He knew I wasn’t wasting time. I was there within time. “I wasn’t trying to waste time or take advantage.”

Sri Lankan team did not shake hands with Bangladesh team

After the match, the Sri Lankan team did not shake hands with the Bangladesh team. During the match, scuffles were also seen between the players of both the teams. After Bangladesh achieved the target of 280 runs, many Sri Lankan fielders shook hands with the not out batsmen, but they did not go towards the stairs leading down from the Bangladesh dressing room to shake hands with the rest of the players. When Mathews took Shakib’s wicket, he teased him. He pointed to his wrist to see the time.

What did Mathews say on not shaking hands?

On not shaking hands, Mathews said, “You have to respect people who respect us.” They also have to respect the game. All of us, including the umpires, are ambassadors of this beautiful game. If you don’t respect and use common sense, what more can you ask for?”