Towhid Hridoy criticises umpiring standards after controversial call

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jun 11, 2024 08:14 IST

Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy was critical of the umpiring standards during their loss to South Africa after the controversial call in the 17th over of their run chase in New York on June 10, Monday. During the over, Mahmadullah was given out LBW by on-field umpire Sam Nogajski. South Africa fast bowler Ottneil Baartman started celebrating even as the ball went to the boundary after hitting the pads.

However, Mahmadullah took the review and had the decision against him overturned. But, Bangladesh were not awarded four runs for leg-byes as the call by Nogajski was made before the ball rolled onto the boundary due to the dead-ball rule being in play. Ultimately, Bangladesh lost the match by just 4 runs, which made fans feel like the side was robbed off a win. Speaking after the game, Hridoy said it wasn't a good call as the four runs could have changed the course of the game for them.

SA vs BAN, T20 World Cup: Scorecard | Highlights

"Actually, to be honest, that wasn't a good call. Good call for us. It was a tight match. So, I think in my point of view, umpire gave the out, but it's a bit hard for us because those four runs would have changed the match scenario. So, I don't have anything to say about it," said Hridoy.

What the ICC has done is not in my hands

Hridoy's own dismissal in the match was also a talking point as the ball from Kagiso Rabada had trapped in front of the stumps. But replays went on to show that the ball was just about clipping the stumps. Hridoy commented on the rule set by ICC and said it wasn't in his hands.

However, the Bangladesh batter admitted that the standards can be better in such a close game where they were ultimately chasing a small target.

"See, The rule, what the ICC has done is not in my hands but at that time those 4 runs were very important for us. I think the umpire has given the call and the umpire can give a call. They are also human beings and they could have made a mistake. But we had two-three more wides which were not given. So, in a match like this, where hardly a run is being made in a low-scoring match, one or two runs are a big factor. So, I think those four runs or two wide runs were close calls. Even my out was the umpire's call. So, I think there is room for improvement in these areas. And we have nothing to do with rules that the ICC made," said Hridoy.

Bangladesh will now face Netherlands in their next match on June 13.