Angelo Mathews Urges Respect for Individuals in Response to Reporter’s ‘Behaviour Question’

Angelo Mathews Urges Respect for Individuals in Response to Reporter’s ‘Behaviour Question’

The Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh rivalry reached new heights when all-rounder Angelo Mathews was dismissed ‘timed out’ due to an appeal from Shakib Al Hasan. Despite Shakib’s refusal to withdraw the appeal, the controversy did not end there. The players from both teams did not shake hands after the match. When Mathews was asked about the incident in a post-match press conference, he responded bluntly, stating that they would respect people who respected them.

Following the game, Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis led the team straight to the dressing room, avoiding the customary handshake with the Bangladesh players. As Mathews expressed his dissatisfaction with Shakib and his team’s decision to appeal for ‘timed out’, a reporter questioned the behavior of the Sri Lankan players for refusing to shake hands with the opposition.

Reporter: You mentioned that the behavior of the Bangladesh players was unacceptable. What about the behavior of your own players, who refused to shake hands with the opposition?

Angelo Mathews: Yes, we need to respect people who respect us. It doesn’t mean that they have to respect the game itself. We are all ambassadors of this beautiful game, including the umpires. So, if you don’t respect and use common sense, what more can you ask for?

When asked if there needs to be more clarity on dismissals like obstructing the field, Mathews stated that the rules are clear but there should be ‘common sense’ applied in certain dismissals. In his case, the delay was caused by a helmet issue.

“No, I think in terms of Mankading and obstructing the field, the rules are quite clear. The rule clearly states that if you’re out of your crease, the bowler can break the stumps. So, if you’re in line with the stumps and obstructing the ball from hitting the stumps, then you’re clearly out.

“But here, where is the common sense? In my 15 years of career, I’ve never seen a team stoop to that level because the umpires themselves admitted it was an equipment malfunction, and they could have gone upstairs to check again.

“It was clearly a malfunction. I didn’t mean to pull it and break it. I still had my time as well, and I was in complete shock,” he asserted.

This incident raises questions about the behavior of players and the need for clearer regulations regarding dismissals such as obstructing the field. While the rules may be explicit, the application of common sense and fairness should also be considered in these situations.