Gulbadin Naib, the Afghan all-rounder, was struck by cramps during the Super Eight match between Bangladesh and Afghanistan in St Vincent on Tuesday. This incident triggered controversy as it followed a decision by Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott to slow down the game due to the imminent threat of rain.
At that point, Bangladesh, struggling at 81 for seven, was trailing on the Duckworth-Lewis Stern Method. A halt to the game would have secured a semi-final berth for the Afghan Atalan. However, the play was brought to a standstill as Naib, stationed at first slip, received treatment for his cramps.
The rain delay, thankfully, proved brief, and Naib returned to the field once play resumed. The incident, however, left many questioning the sportsmanship of Afghanistan’s tactics and raised concerns about the strategic implications of their actions.
