“Not a charity game”: Litton Das reacts to Salman Ali Agha’s controversial run-out

Bangladesh wicketkeeper Litton Das has opined on the controversy surrounding Salman Ali Agha’s run-out in the second ODI against Pakistan on Friday, March 13. Litton insisted that the dismissal was entirely within the rules and that the team acted appropriately.

The incident took place in the 39th over, with Pakistan looking to build a partnership between Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan after Bangladesh chose to field first. On the fourth ball, Rizwan nudged the ball toward the bowler’s right side. Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz moved to stop the ball with his boot during his follow-through, unintentionally colliding with Agha at the non-striker’s end.

As the ball came to a stop nearby and Agha was momentarily outside the crease, the batter appeared to bend down to pick it up and return it to Miraz. Reacting quickly, Miraz grabbed the ball and threw it underarm at the non-striker’s stumps while Agha had not yet grounded his bat.

Miraz quickly lodged an appeal, prompting on-field umpire Tanvir Ahmed to send the decision to the third umpire. After careful review, Salman Ali Agha was adjudged run out, with the officials confirming that the ball was still in play and that the batter had not grounded his bat inside the crease.

After scoring 64 runs from 62 balls, Agha seemed frustrated and argued with Miraz, while Litton Das joined briefly and Rizwan helped diffuse the tension.

Speaking after the match, Litton clarified that Bangladesh were competing in an international fixture and not a charity game.

“Let me make it clear. We were not playing in a charity game. This is an international match,” Litton said.

He also disagreed with remarks made by former Pakistan Cricket Board chief Ramiz Raja, who said the incident was against the spirit of the game.

“Even though the dismissal follows the rules, the spirit of the game has been compromised. The batter was simply trying to assist the bowler and didn’t expect to be run out,” Raja said.

Despite this, Litton did not align with the former PCB chief’s comments.

“Because the dismissal followed the rules, I don’t believe sportsmanship was breached in any way. People can have their own opinions, but as players, we see an out as an out,” Litton added.

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