PAK vs BAN 2nd ODI: Salman Ali Agha Reprimanded After Controversial Run-Out
Dhaka: Pakistan’s star batter Salman Ali Agha found himself at the centre of controversy during the second ODI against Bangladesh at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Friday. The dismissal, which left Agha visibly frustrated, led to a formal reprimand and one demerit point from the match referee.
The incident occurred in the 39th over when Agha was batting on 64. Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz was bowling, and on the fourth delivery, batter Mohammad Rizwan played a gentle push down the ground. The ball rolled toward Agha, who was backing up at the non-striker’s end and standing outside his crease. As Agha bent down to pick up the ball, Miraz quickly collected it and broke the stumps, appealing for a run-out.
The on-field umpire upheld the appeal and referred the decision to the third umpire, who confirmed Agha’s dismissal in favour of Bangladesh. Replays showed Agha was outside the crease when the stumps were broken.
Following his dismissal, Agha expressed his frustration by throwing his gloves, prompting match referee Neeyamur Rashid to issue a reprimand and one demerit point for abuse of cricket equipment. Rashid clarified that Agha has no prior history of misconduct and emphasized the importance of neutrality in judgment.
“The specific incident involved abusing cricket equipment on the ground while leaving the field. Regarding Salman Agha, he has no previous history of such behaviour. We have to maintain neutrality when we judge. Consequently, we have issued a reprimand and a demerit point,” Rashid told The Daily Star.
Despite brief exchanges between players from both sides on the field, including Rizwan discussing the appeal with Bangladesh players and Litton Das defending Miraz, the referee confirmed there would be no charges regarding the verbal exchange, considering it a miscommunication.
The incident highlights the fine line players walk between on-field frustration and the ICC’s code of conduct, especially in high-stakes matches where tensions can run high.
