Shakib Al Hasan brutally shamed by Venkatesh Prasad for not withdrawing timed-out appeal vs Angelo Mathews

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Shakib Al Hasan was brutally shamed and ridiculed by former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad for opting a timed-out dismissal against Angelo Mathews in the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka match in the World Cup 2023 on Monday, November 6.

In the match played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, Mathews walked in to bat after the fall of Sadeera Samarawickrama's wicket on the second ball of the 25th over. However, could not face the first ball in the stipulated three minutes time as the strap of his helmet came out.

Shakib made an appeal and did not take it back even after Mathews explained his position. Even the on-field umpires asked Shakib twice if he was sure about going with the appeal, however, the 36-year-old stuck to his decision which forced Mathews to walk back without facing a delivery.

The entire episode sparked a 'Spirit of Cricket' debate and Shakib has largely been on the receiving end of it. Fans, former cricketers and journalists have slammed Shakib Al Hasan for the unorthodox appeal and questioned his sportsmanship.

Venkatesh Prasad also gave his view on Tuesday morning and said that Shakib doing the unexpected came as no surprise to him. He pointed out how Shakib has embroiled himself in controversies in the past as well.

"Purely on cricketing talent , Shakib Al Hasan would have been considered as one of the greats of the game. But be it being banned after the 2019 World Cup for failing to report approach, intimidating umpires, considering himself bigger than the game, it’s no surprise what he did yesterday," Venkatesh Prasad wrote on X.

The Bangladesh captain explained his stance after the match. He said he wanted to do everything he could to see his team win. He said he was at 'war with himself' but went with the appeal after a suggestion from one of his teammates. In the post-match press conference, the southpaw said he had no guilt regarding the appeal.

After Sri Lanka were bundled out for 279, Shakib Al Hasan slammed 82 runs off 65 balls with a fractured finger to help Bangladesh win their second match of the World Cup 2023. Shakib has been ruled out of the World Cup 2023 due to the finger injury and has returned back home. Bangladesh will face Australia on Saturday in their last match of the ongoing tournament.