Afghanistan’s journey in the T20 World Cup has been nothing short of remarkable. Their recent victory against Australia secured their place in the semi-finals, eliminating the Aussies from the tournament. However, amidst the celebrations, a controversial incident involving Afghan cricketer Gulbadin Naib has sparked heated debates.
Gulbadin Naib’s fake injury
During the match against Bangladesh, with rain looming, play was halted as Naib, stationed at first slip, appeared to suffer an injury. His collapse on the field seemed like a hamstring issue, but it soon became clear that something was amiss. Aussie spinner Adam Zampa humorously referred to it as “the old rainstring” on social media.
The controversy arose because Naib’s injury conveniently slowed down the game. Afghanistan’s head coach, former England batsman Jonathan Trott, had instructed the players to delay the match, hoping for a rain interruption. Afghanistan was ahead on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method at that point. Naib took Trott’s instruction quite literally, dramatically falling to the ground.
One of the most severe hamstring injuries I’ve ever seen on video here. Really hope he’s OK #thoughtsandprayers pic.twitter.com/colL5pRSfu
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) June 25, 2024
The incident didn’t sit well with everyone. Commentators criticized it as gamesmanship and even Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan expressed displeasure with Naib’s behaviour. Bangladesh batsman Litton Das openly mocked Naib, adding to the drama. Former New Zealand bowler Simon Doull minced no words, calling it unacceptable and urging better sportsmanship.
But the rain eased up and play continued, meaning the questionable actions of Afghanistan didn’t decide the result. They ultimately won one of the most back-and-forth cricket matches in recent memory by eight runs, bowling Bangladesh out for 105 after 17.5 overs.
Adam Zampa and the Aussies are clearly NOT happy with the apparent cheating that helped end their T20 World Cup 😡
MORE >> https://t.co/VyZo0cge2r pic.twitter.com/az7SDrHo7V
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) June 25, 2024
Faking an injury to get a rain delay. That's pathetic from Afghanistan #T20WorldCup
— Matt (@Mattys123) June 25, 2024
Absolutely pathetic from Gulbadin, Afghanistan & their coach Jonathon Trott. There are legitimate ways of winning a game which you should apply rather than this bullshit acting which are against the spirit of the game.. https://t.co/qAOBnLimPh
— Mahi (@kexo654) June 25, 2024
This is Unacceptable ❌
This is cheating from Afghanistan ❌Bangladesh scored 81 Runs before the rain and they were only 2 Runs behind par score and Gulbadin Naib do this to avoid Bangladesh victory on DLS
Once a cheater always a Cheater pic.twitter.com/oEnVPlcFCP
— ٰImran Siddique (@imransiddique89) June 25, 2024