Kamal Ghorui
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif slammed Mehidy Hasan Miraz after a controversial run-out involving Salman Ali Agha during the second ODI between Bangladesh and Pakistan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on Friday.The unusual dismissal sparked a major debate on social media, with Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz facing criticism for what many termed an unsportsmanlike act. Former India batter Kaif was among those who strongly condemned the incident.
Slamming the act, Kaif said: “This is so not done. No desperation of getting wickets can justify this run out. That too from a captain. Youngsters please remember, even if the World Cup final is on the line never do what the Bangladesh skipper did. Sports without fair play is no sports.”The incident took place in the 39th over of Pakistan’s innings when the visitors were rebuilding after losing three early wickets. Agha and Mohammad Rizwan had steadied the innings with a 109-run partnership for the fourth wicket.On the fourth ball of the over, bowled by Miraz, Rizwan gently pushed the delivery down the ground. The ball rolled towards Agha, who had backed up and was standing outside the crease at the non-striker’s end.As the ball struck his pads, Agha instinctively bent down, picked it up and attempted to hand it back. Miraz, however, quickly grabbed the ball and dislodged the bails with Agha still outside the crease before appealing for a run-out.The on-field umpire referred the decision to the third umpire after the appeal was made, and the replay confirmed the dismissal in Bangladesh’s favour.The decision left Agha visibly frustrated as he walked back to the pavilion, with television visuals showing the Pakistan batter expressing his displeasure after the call.The incident also triggered brief exchanges between players from both teams on the field. Rizwan was seen having a discussion with the Bangladesh players, while Litton Das defended the appeal made by Miraz.The rare run-out quickly became the biggest talking point of the match, dividing opinion among fans online. While many supported Agha and criticised the spirit of the dismissal, others argued that the Pakistan batter should have ensured he returned to his crease.Meanwhile, Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 274 in 47.3 overs, with Maaz Sadaqat top-scoring with 75. Having already lost the first ODI, Pakistan needed a victory in the second match to keep the series alive.
