T20 World Cup 2024: The on-field antics of Afghanistan’s Gulbadin Naib against Bangladesh, according to veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, were warranted because it was a must-win Super Eight encounter for his team in the ongoing T20 World Cup.
In the twelfth over, with Afghanistan leading the match, Naib was fielding in the slip cordon when he collapsed on his back, gripping his thighs. Coach Jonathan Trott had just signaled to pause down the play due to impending rain.
After hearing Jonathan Trott’s instructions to slow down from the dressing room, Naib collapsed to the ground like a shattered tree limb. Everyone is warning him that he will pay a price for it. What, though, is the issue? The man is competing for his nation in an attempt to win a World Cup qualifying match,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
A player who engages in “deliberate or repetitive” time-wasting techniques may face a two-match penalty under the ICC’s playing standards, although in this case, the match referee may merely issue a warning to Naib.
Ashwin had earlier joked in a post on his X account, saying, “Red card for Gulbadin Naib.”
Also Read: Will ICC ban Gulbadin Naib for ‘faking injury’ against Bangladesh?
Returning to the subject of cricket, Ashwin offered a tactical analysis, stating that the Afghans had to prioritize getting through the first part of their T20 World Cup semifinal against South Africa on Thursday before attempting to make an impact.
“A two-paced pitch is used in Tarouba. There, I have performed. Because bowlers from SA can cause problems for Afghan batsmen, one ball could suddenly go off,” Ashwin said.
“However, in order to provide some depth, SA must save Anrich Nortje for the middle overs. During that stage, Rabada should also be utilized. If not, the Afghans will exploit the pacers and go on to dominate the spinners, something they excelled at in the previous games. However, since they are South Africa, I’ll give them a commanding 51-49 advantage,” he added.
