Umpires 'fall ill' as one game postponed

A unique series of events transpired during the game between Tamim Iqbal’s Abahani Limited and Nasir Hossain’s Prime Doleshwar earlier this afternoon.

Batting first, Abahani were bundled out for 191 in 42.4 overs. In reply, Prime Doleshwar had reached 59 for 2 in 17 overs, after which umpires Gazi Sohel and Tanvir Ahmed left the field.

The official statement from the match referee was that both the umpires had suddenly fallen sick and could not continue the game. Since there was only one reserve umpire present at the venue, the match had to be stopped.

Those present at the venue however, would tell you a story much different to that of the match referee’s statement.

In the 16th over of the second innings, a stumping decision went against Abahani. Saqlain Sajib was the bowler and the batsman he beat was Rakibul Hasan. The decision angered Abahani’s players.

A discussion ensued between skipper Tamim and the umpires with the national opener seeming quite angry. An over later, the umpires decided that they wouldn’t continue officiating the match.

According to the match referee, the game will continue tomorrow, however, he isn’t certain if it will include the same umpires.

Abahani official and Bangladesh Cricket Board director IH Mallick said that he was extremely disappointed with the way the umpires reacted.

“Arguments between umpires and players are not something new. It was very surprising to see the umpires leave the field and not continue the game. If Tamim had crossed a line, they could have fined him or served him with a punishment, but leaving the field is unacceptable,” Mallick told The Daily Star. 

The umpires in question could not be contacted for comments.

The day’s other games saw Victoria Sporting Club and the Legends of Rupganj make winning starts to the Super League.

League leaders Victoria, buoyed by half-centuries from Abdul Majed and Mominul Haque posted 272 in 40 overs. The game had to be shortened due to the morning showers. In reply, Prime Bank were restricted to 249 for 8.

At the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, a half-century from Mohammad Mithun helped Rupganj post 232 in 45 overs. In reply, Rupganj’s spinners ran through Mushfiqur Rahim’s Mohammedan and bundled them out just for 128.