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A significant controversy unfolded during the Global T20 Canada on August 9, 2024, when Shakib Al Hasan‘s Bangla Tigers Mississauga were eliminated from the tournament after refusing to participate in a Super Over against the Toronto Nationals. This decision led to a walkover victory for the Nationals, sparking debates about tournament regulations and the integrity of the competition.
Torrential rain over the playoff match
The eliminator match between the Tigers and Nationals was heavily affected by persistent rain, which delayed the start. As the rain continued, match officials decided that only a Super Over could be conducted to determine the winner, adhering to the tournament’s playing regulations. This decision was communicated to both teams, but it was met with resistance from the Bangla Tigers, led by their captain, Shakib.
Shakib Al Hasan’s refusal to play
Shakib’s absence at the toss for the Super Over was a pivotal moment in the match. His refusal to participate was a protest against the decision to conduct only a Super Over instead of a longer format game, such as a five or ten-over match. Had the match been completely abandoned, the Bangla Tigers would have automatically advanced to the next round due to their superior position in the group-stage standings.
Zafir Yasin, the owner of the Bangla Tigers, expressed his frustration, arguing that the team should have been allowed to play a minimum of five overs per side. He stated that the decision to limit the match to a Super Over compromised the integrity of the tournament.
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Global T20 Canada Officials’ Response
Joy Bhattacharjya, the CEO of Global T20 Canada, defended the decision made by the match officials, emphasizing that the Super Over provision was established prior to the tournament and was applicable to both the eliminator and the earlier Qualifier 1 match. He explained that the goal was to ensure a result, even if it meant a heartbreaking conclusion for the losing team.
“We were trying to ensure there was a result either way, however heartbreaking as it may be for the team that loses a one-over shootout, and it was all part of the regulations.” Bhattacharjya told ESPNcricinfo.
When questioned about the distribution of the regulations via WhatsApp, Bhattacharjya clarified that this method was used for immediate communication with team managers, ensuring everyone was informed of tournament updates.
He also stated, “Where’s the credibility for a league if rules are changed on the fly?”
This statement highlighted the importance of maintaining consistent regulations throughout the competition.
Aftermath and reactions
Following the Bangla Tigers’ refusal to play the Super Over, the match referee awarded the victory to the Toronto Nationals. The decision was met with mixed reactions from the cricket community, with some supporting the officials’ adherence to the rules. In contrast, others criticized the rigidity of the regulations in a situation impacted by weather.
Yasin’s comments regarding the shortening of boundaries before the cut-off time further fuelled the controversy. He claimed that the organizers had compromised the competition’s integrity by seeking assistance from the Toronto owners to procure additional covers, suggesting a lack of fairness in the management of the playoff conditions.
The much-awaited final of the GT20 took place in Brampton on Sunday when the Toronto Nationals faced the Montreal Tigers. In the thrilling clash that went down to the wire, the Toronto Nationals emerged victorious, clinching the title with an 8-wicket win over the Montreal Tigers. Toronto, after getting a walkover in the eliminator, went on to gain the winning momentum and lifted the coveted title.
