Pakistan middle order batsman Salman Ali Agha reacted to his controversial run-out during the second ODI against Bangladesh, saying that if he were in the opponent’s place, he would have made a different decision.
The incident happened at Sher e Bangla Cricket Stadium in Dhaka when Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz ran him out at the non-striker’s end. Salman Ali Agha showed visible anger while leaving the field.
The run out happened in Pakistan’s 39th over. Salman was at the non striker’s end when Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan played the ball defensively towards the bowler.
The ball lightly hit Salman, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz took it, ran to the stumps, and ran him out before he could return the ball.
The incident caused heated moments between players, and the Bangladesh team’s action was criticised for lacking sportsmanship.
Former Pakistani cricketers Ramiz Raja and Hammad Hafeez also condemned the move, and Mehidy Hasan faced criticism on social media.
In a post match press conference, Salman Ali Agha said the run out was legal. But sportsmanship should have been prioritised in that situation.
He added that he thought the ball was dead after hitting the bat and pad, which is why he tried to return it to the bowler.
Earlier, Bangladesh won the toss and invited Pakistan to bat first. Pakistan scored 274 runs in 47.3 overs.
Bangladesh’s chase was interrupted by rain, and after resuming, they were set a target of 243 runs in 32 overs but managed only 114. Pakistan won by 128 runs.
The three-match ODI series is now tied 1-1. The final and deciding match will be played on Sunday.
Salman Ali Agha faces ICC penalty for Code of Conduct violation
Salman Ali Agha has faced the International Cricket Council (ICC) penalty for Code of Conduct violation.
Agha was found to have breached Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match”, said ICC.
Salman Ali Agha admitted the offence and accepted the penalty. This eliminated the need for a formal hearing.
As per the ICC rules, Level 1 breaches carry a minimum sanction of an official reprimand, a maximum fine of 50 per cent of a match fee, and one or two demerit points.
