'Pathetic sportsmanship': Cricket world erupts over fresh Mankad 'disgrace'
The controversial ‘Mankad’ has sparked fresh uproar in the cricket community after Afghanistan affected the divisive dismissal at the Under-19 World Cup.
Afghanistan bowler Noor Ahmad dismissed Pakistan’s Mohammad Huraira when he stayed out of his crease before the ball was bowled.
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Huraira was on 64 off 76 balls on Friday before he was dismissed in controversial fashion.
Ahmad noticed Huraira leaving his crease before he bowled the ball, so quickly whipped off the bails and ran him out.
While completely legal under the rules of the game, the ‘Mankad’ has always divided opinion among cricket players and fans - with many believing it is against the spirit of the game.
Some say a bowler should warn a batsman before affecting a Mankad, while others think it’s a perfectly legitimate mode of dismissal.
Jimmy Anderson leads calls for change
England legend Jimmy Anderson tweeted in response to the controversy, saying the ICC should remove the law allowing the Mankad.
“I think there are enough ways to get a batsman out involving skill (either as a bowler or fielder),” he wrote.
“I don’t think I’ve played with anyone who feels like this is a legitimate way of getting someone out.”
Can we sort out (remove) this law please @ICC #MCC?? https://t.co/dec60oogif
— James Anderson (@jimmy9) January 31, 2020
I think there are enough ways to get a batsman out involving skill (either as a bowler or fielder). I don’t think I’ve played with anyone who feels like this is a legitimate way of getting someone out.
— James Anderson (@jimmy9) January 31, 2020
Fans and commentators were also up in arms.
And look at the way his team-mates run to congratulate him as though he's done something clever, skilful and honourable.
— John Etheridge (@JohnSunCricket) January 31, 2020
Absolute disgraceful display by Afghan team to Mankad a Pakistani batsman.
— Razi Khan (@bonefixerr) January 31, 2020
Mankad is disgraceful. It's petty, it's unsportsmanlike and it should be shameful. Yes, it's also legal, unfortunately. #PakvAfg #U19CWC
— Adeel Shirazi (@adeelshirazi) January 31, 2020
Got absolutely no time at all for the Mankad dismissal 🤬 #snide #disgrace #poorexample #simplyisntcricket #U19CWC
— Chris Moss (@moss2415) January 31, 2020
Disgrace and should be discouraged at every level
— Fouzan Z Mughal (@fouzan007) January 31, 2020
Pathetic sportsmanship.
— pete crowther (@thechelskikid) January 31, 2020
Disgusting and unnecessary,they’ve lost regardless lmao
— Bilal Said (@Bilal01_05) January 31, 2020
Not true spirit of sportsmanship
— Azam Ali (@Azamali625) January 31, 2020
Imagine celebrating that. Embarrassing.
— Alex (@Alex_Barston) January 31, 2020
However there were many more who believe it was a fair act considering it’s not illegal.
Afghanistan captain Farhan Zakhil later said he regretted the tactic.
"At that time, we realised let's do something different to build pressure on Pakistan," Zakhil told ESPN.
"To be honest, it was not in the spirit of the game."
However Huraira admitted he was at fault for not staying in his crease.
"I should've been in the crease, and I'll learn from the mistake. I'll ensure it isn't repeated again,” he said.
Pakistan went on to chase down Afghanistan’s total of 190 with 53 balls to spare.
