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The final Super 8 Group 1 match of the 2024 T20 World Cup between Afghanistan and Bangladesh was fraught with drama and controversy. Afghan player Gulbadin Naib faced accusations of faking an injury to intentionally delay the game.
Afghanistan led by 2 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method when the third rain interruption loomed, threatening to halt play. Naib, positioned at first slip, suddenly grabbed his hamstring and collapsed, inciting outrage among commentators and fans.
This “dramatic” episode unfolded as light rain began at the Arnos Vale Ground. Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott was seen instructing his players to “slow down the game,” knowing that a rain delay would secure Afghanistan’s path to the semi-finals.
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However, Naib’s actions were met with widespread criticism, with commentator Simon Doull blasting the Afghan all-rounder for his “cheap trick”.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan took a cheeky dig at Gulbadin and congratulating him for becoming the first bowler to take a wicket after being shot.
“Great to see Gulbadin become the first cricketer in the history of the game to get a wicket 25 mins after being shot…,” Vaughan posted on X, formerly Twitter.
“I do get what the coach was trying to say and sending a message a message but this is unacceptable delaying tactics,” Doull said on air.
R Ashwin wrote, ” Red card for Gulbadin Naib
Red card for Gulbadin Naib😂😂😂
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) June 25, 2024
