Dhaka : A controversial run-out by Mehidy Hasan Miraz reignited debate about the “spirit of cricket” after Salman Ali Agha criticised the Bangladesh captain’s decision during the One-Day International between Bangladesh national cricket team and Pakistan national cricket team in Dhaka on Friday.
Agha was run out at the non-striker’s end after stepping out of his crease to return the ball to the bowler. As he bent down to pick up the ball following Mohammad Rizwan’s shot, Mehidy removed the bails, ending Agha’s innings.
The incident immediately revived discussions about the “spirit of cricket,” drawing comparisons to the controversy during the 2023 Ashes series when Alex Carey stumped Jonny Bairstow at Lord’s Cricket Ground.
“I think sportsman spirit has to be there,” Agha told reporters after Pakistan’s 128-run victory.
“What he has done is within the law. If he thinks it’s right, it’s right, but if you ask my perspective, I would have done differently. I would have gone for sportsman spirit.”
Agha reacted angrily at the moment of dismissal, throwing down his gloves and helmet, but later played down his reaction.
“I was just trying to give him the ball back. I was not looking for the run or anything like that, but he had already decided,” he said.
The two sides will meet again on Sunday for the deciding third ODI, with the three-match series currently tied 1-1.
