Afghan all-rounder Gulbadin Naib came under scrutiny on Tuesday for his controversial act during the final Super Eight match of 2024. T20 World Cup against Bangladesh at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St Vincent. Gulbadin was accused of cheating in the game where Afghanistan won by eight points to eliminate Bangladesh and Australia to secure the final semi-final spot in the tournament. Amid growing criticism against veteran cricketer India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin gave his two cents.
During the 12th and second overs of the match, Bangladesh fell behind in the DLS score when the venue witnessed light drizzle for the third time in the evening. Former England cricketer and outgoing Afghanistan head coach Johnathan Trott quickly signaled the players to “slow down”, and at that moment Gulbadin, who had been standing still at the time of the slip, fell on the ground due to a hamstring cramp. This deliberate act prevented any further balls being delivered during the period, and soon the rain became heavier at Kingstown, forcing ground staff to run to cover the pitch.
Ashwin had reacted cheekily to the internet breaking act by writing, “Red card for Gulbadin Naib”, and the Afghan star later responded to it by saying, “Kabi Khusi kabi ghum main huta hai hamstring.”
The criticism, however, began after Gulbadin took to the field after the match resumed after the third rain break, took a wicket and was then seen running wildly on the field after Afghanistan reached the semi-final for the first time in an ICC tournament.
Amid criticism and calls for the ICC to punish the all-rounder, Ashwin took to his YouTube channel to defend Gulbadin. He said: “Gulbadin Naib fell this way. Everyone said it was a punishable offense. But what is it, man? The guy is playing for his country, he is trying to win a World Cup, to qualify.
Ashwin was full of praise for the Afghan team, who ultimately survived the thriller thanks to some good hitting.
“In Afghanistan, it’s not just momentum. It’s a country with so much hope. They play for each other. This game for each other, we can say a thousand things about it. We can tell so many people. Isn’t India playing for each other Of course, but Afghanistan, at this stage of their cricket journey, is playing for each other like nothing ever? seen from such,” he said.