“I don’t know where the common sense went. It’s disgraceful from Shakib and Bangladesh. If they want to play cricket like that and stoop down to that level there is something drastically wrong.
“It was pure common sense. I am not talking about Mankading, or obstructing the field. It was just pure common sense, bringing the game into disrepute. Absolutely disgraceful.”
Asked why there were no handshakes at the end of the game, Mathews said: “We will respect people who respect us. We are all ambassadors of this beautiful game, including the umpires. If you don’t respect or use common sense, what more can you ask for?
“Up to today I had utmost respect for him [Shakib] and the Bangladesh team. We all play to win, and if it’s within the rules it’s fine. I was there within two minutes, we have video evidence.”
Shakib, no stranger to on-field controversy after a series of run-ins with umpires over his long career, defended his actions.
“One of our fielders came to me and said, ‘If you appeal now, he will be out’,” he said. “I appealed, the umpires asked me if I was serious and if I would take it back or not. I said: ‘No, if it’s out.’
“It’s in the laws. I don’t know if it’s right or wrong. I feel like I was at a war and had to take a decision to make sure my team wins. Whatever I had to do I had to do. Right or wrong, there will be debates, but if it’s in the rules, I don’t mind taking those chances.”
