Umpiring controversy hits T20 World Cup over Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan LBW in loss to Pakistan

Controversy has marred the T20 World Cup once again after a Bangladesh batsman was sent packing by the third umpire despite appearing to be clearly not out.

Star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was forced to trudge back to the dressing rooms with a golden duck in Bangladesh’s five-wicket loss to Pakistan, which cost them a place in the semi-finals on Sunday.

The Netherlands’ stunning win against South Africa had set the stage for a virtual elimination final between the two nations, making the loss even harder to swallow for Bangladesh.

Video replays and Ultra Edge seemed to indicate that Al Hasan had hit the ball before it hit him on the pad but he was given out LBW anyway

Bangladesh players remunstrate with umpire Langton Rusere from Zimbabwe over the incident which ultimately resulted in their elimination from the T20 World Cup

The Tigers were cruising at 1-70 in their innings before being rocked by the loss of Soumya Sarkar and Shakib Al Hasan in consecutive deliveries.

Making the double blow even more painful was video evidence that Al Hasan had hit the ball before it cannoned into his pad.

However on-field umpire Langton Rusere instantly ruled it out and the third umpire determined the spike on Ultra Edge came from the bat hitting the ground.

Al Hasan and Bangladesh players pleaded with the officials on the pitch and the sideline for common sense to prevail.

‘He should feel well aggrieved after this one,’ Isa Guha said on Fox Cricket 

‘That’s the incorrect decision, 100 per cent,’ Chadd Sayers said on SEN Cricket. 

‘Big moment in the match. Looked like Shakib Al Hasan edged it. The umpiring in this tournament hasn’t been great,’ one fan posted.

‘In such big event when you have all the resources and technologies, why in a crunch match such bizarre umpiring decisions,’ posted another.

‘How do you become an umpire Langton Rusere? You have no idea about the basic rules of cricket. Are you somehow blind?’ questioned another.

After the match, Al Hasan said it was a disappointing way for the Tigers to end their tournament but admitted they could have played better. 

‘Based on my performance, I could have done better. As long as I am fit and performing well, I would love to play,’ he said.

‘In terms of results, this is our best performance in the T20 World Cup. We could have done better. But having said that, with new players coming in, with changes, it’s the best.

‘At one point we were 70/1. Wanted to score 145-150, which would have been a reasonable total on that pitch. Knew it would be difficult for new batsmen, so set batsmen ahead till the end. Wanted to increase which didn’t happen.’ 

It comes after previous controversies at the World Cup including Australia being delivered a five-ball over in their match against Afghanistan while India’s Virat Kohi and Ravi Ashwin have both been accused of cheating for their actions in the field.

The controversial Duckworth Lewis method of determining results led to India claiming a divisive win over Bangladesh earlier in the tournament, while the system also meant that England were consigned to a loss to Ireland that almost ended their tournament.

ICC scheduling, the choice of the MCG as a venue over Marvel Stadium and its roof and the lack of reserve days for washed out group games have also been questioned.