'Would've Withdrawn Appeal' - Mohammad Ashraful Weighs In On Angelo Mathews' 'Timed-Out' Dismissal

Former Bangladesh Skipper Mohammad Ashraful has shared his take on the ‘timed out’ dismissal enforced by Shakib Al Hasan on Angelo Mathews during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

He said he would have called back Angelo Mathews after the Timed Out dismissal if he was the captain there in place of Shakib. However, the reason he stated might be somewhat disrespecting towards Angelo Mathews.

“If I was leading, I would have thought long before appealing, and then I would have withdrawn it if he had a genuine reason for the delay,” Ashraful said in an interview on Saturday. “Primarily because he is no longer a dangerous player and him being on the field would have hardly mattered in the outcome of the match.”

Mohammad Ashraful, who marked his return to domestic cricket after completing his time period of a five-year ban for his involvement in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) corruption scandal in 2013, showed his sympathy to Shakib Al Hasan, the current Bangladesh Skipper, for his decision in the controversial dismissal. Ashraful was understanding of the fact that Bangladesh and Shakib were desperate for two points.

“At that moment, Bangladesh was desperate for two points with an eye on the Champions Trophy. That is what Shakib was thinking,” Ashraful said. Eventually, those two points have taken Bangladesh to eighth position and they are looking forward to a spot in the ICC Champions Trophy. However, if the Netherlands pull off an upset against India then they will have 6 points on their tally and will advance to the ICC Champions Trophy.

Mohammad Ashraful Recalls When Liton Das Called Back Ish Sodhi

Mohammad Ashraful recalled when Liton Das called back Ish Sodhi after Hasan Mahmud ran him out at the non-striker’s end. He also mentioned that Sodhi went on to hit two sixes and take that match away from Bangladesh but this time they had a Champions Trophy spot in mind.

“When we played New Zealand (in September in Bangladesh), Hasan Mahmud ran out (Ish) Sodhi (for backing too far) at the non-striker’s end, but Litton (Das) called him back. Sodhi hit two sixes thereafter and we lost the match. At that time, (it was) no problem. But this time, everybody was thinking about the Champions Trophy.” 

Mohammad Ashraful showed no hesitation in speaking about serving the ban after being involved in the Bangladesh Premier League corruption scandal. He was sentenced to an eight-year ban, which was imposed in 2013. It was reduced to five years before he made a return to domestic cricket. He feels that the modern generation is susceptible to corruption approaches with the emergence and growing popularity of the T20 leagues.

“I spoke openly about everything. I was honest after what happened. That is why I am comfortable now. If I had not spoken openly, probably I would have felt guilty. And because I said everything openly, even those who hated me, accepted me,” said Ashraful,

He concluded by saying, “Everyone can make mistakes. We are humans, not angels. When someone falls and gets back, we need to support them. With the rise of franchise cricket, it has become difficult for players to deal with approaches. My only suggestion is that the player has to be honest. There will definitely be approaches made, you have to inform the captain and the team management.”

Mohammad Ashraful has played over 250 international matches for Bangladesh across all three formats. He was one of the most promising Bangladeshi players and was once compared to the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. Ashraful was the youngest player to score a test ton at the tender age of seventeen. He is considered Bangladesh’s first-ever World Class player.