‘No one came here to play a charity league’: Litton on Agha’s run-out

Bangladesh suffered a crushing 128-run defeat (DLS) in the rain-interrupted second ODI against visitors Pakistan in Mirpur yesterday.

However, even though the win saw Pakistan bounce back to level the series 1-1 after being thumped by the Tigers in the first ODI last Wednesday, much of the talk following yesterday’s game revolved around one particular incident -- the run-out of Salman Ali Agha by Bangladesh ODI skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

After the match, Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das also shared his thoughts on the matter with the broadcaster. The Bangladesh T20 captain said that what his team did was fully within the rules.

“First of all, no one came here to play a charity league; this is an international match,” he said.

The incident occurred in the 39th over when Miraz came in to bowl with Pakistan well placed at 230 for three. Mohammad Rizwan drove a delivery down the ground towards Agha at the non-striker’s end. Miraz stopped the ball with his leg, and Agha, who was out of his crease, went to pick up the ball instead of trying to get back to his crease. Miraz quickly snatched the ball from just under Agha’s gloves and effected a direct hit.

The matter was referred to the third umpire and, as per the rules, Agha was given out.

However, Agha did not take the decision lightly -- throwing his helmet and gloves onto the ground and exchanging a few heated words with Bangladesh players, one of whom was Litton.

As Agha walked off the field in anger, Pakistani commentator Ramiz Raza was heard saying, “Although it is out according to the rules, sportsmanship has been severely affected here. The batter had gone to help the bowler. He did not expect that he would be run out for it.”

Litton said that while he realises anyone can have their own opinion, he dismissed any room for debate over ‘sportsmanship’ in this matter.

“Since the dismissal is within the rules, I don’t see from any angle that sportsmanship was compromised. Everyone is entitled to their own personal opinion. But as players, we felt that an out is an out,” Litton added.