"What the hell man?"- Ravichandran Ashwin issues an official statement on Gulbadin Naib incident

Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin opened up about the controversy surrounding Gulbadin Naib's fake injury during Afghanistan's Super Eight match against Bangladesh. Ravichandran Ashwin defended Gulbadin Naib's tactic of wasting time amidst criticism from cricket experts and fans.

Gulbadin Naib came under scrutiny for a controversial incident during Afghanistan's final Super 8 match in the 2024 T20 World Cup in St Vincent on Tuesday. Afghanistan secured an eight-run victory to eliminate Bangladesh and Australia. They secured a spot in the semifinals of the ongoing ICC tournament.

During the 12th over of Bangladesh's innings, Afghanistan were just two runs ahead of the DLS par score when a drizzle began. Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott signaled the players to "slow down". Gulbadin Naib, stationed at slip, fell to the ground with a hamstring cramp to halt the play.

Everyone Said That Is A Penalsiable Offence - Ravichandran Ashwin

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin acknowledged the criticism of Gulbadin Naib for his actions, but he added that the Afghanistan all-rounder tried to help his team qualify for the semifinals in the tournament.

"Gulbadin Naib fell that way. Everyone said that is a penalisable offence. But what the hell, man? The guy is playing for his country, trying to win a World Cup, qualify," Ashwin said. 

It Is A Country With So Much Hope - Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin praised the Afghanistan team's unity and dedication under the leadership of Rashid Khan in the ongoing T20 World Cup. The 37-year-old cricketer said that the Afghan players' display of unity is exceptional and unparalleled.

"In Afghanistan, it is not just momentum. It is a country with so much hope. They are playing for one another. This playing for one another, we can say a thousand things about it. We can say it to so many people. Doesn't India play for one another? For the badge? Of course. But Afghanistan, at this stage of their cricketing journey, are playing for one another like I have never seen anything like this," Ashwin added.

Afghanistan secured an eight-run victory (DLS method) over Bangladesh in their final Super 8 match and progressed to the semifinals of the T20 World Cup. The Rashid Khan-led team will take on South Africa in their first-ever World Cup semifinal at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad on Wednesday, June 26 (local time).

Rahmunullah Gurbaz Is Going To Be The Most Important Player - Robin Uthappa

In the same video, Robin Uthappa highlighted that wicketkeeper batter Rahmunullah Gurbaz will play a crucial role for Afghanistan in their upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup semifinal against South Africa. Uthappa said that Gurbaz has the potential to boost Afghanistan's chances of victory.

"If you look at Afghanistan from that angle, for me, Gurbaz is going to be the most important player. The way he performs tomorrow will have a big impact on whether Afghanistan will win or lose," Uthappa said.

Also read: Asia Cup schedule changed once again as India vs Pakistan will now take place on this date