India U19 captain Uday Saharan was involved in a heated exchange with Bangladesh bowler Ariful Islam during their U19 World Cup clash in Bloemfontein today (January 20).
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On the second ball of the 25th over, Saharan played a paddle sweep off Islam to fine leg for a single. The two batters were eager to run a second as well, but they decided against it. As Saharan was returning to his crease at the bowler’s end, Islam seemingly uttered a few words to Saharan, much to his dismay.
The two were involved in a short stare-off before the on-field umpire quickly stepped in to diffuse the situation. A couple of Bangladesh fielders too joined in as Saharan kept suggesting to the umpire that Islam had provoked him with a few words. As the others converged, Saharan kept pointing towards Islam, before he was taken away by the umpire, who had an extended conversation with the bowler.
“It must have not been a tempered word [from the bowler] but something that got the skipper a bit riled up,” quipped one of the commentators. “It looks like the bowler is having a couple of words with the Indian captain for attempting that second run.”
“Break up any unnecessary or potential issues between the two players,” said Pommie Mbangwa about the umpire’s involvement. “Put a stop to it now. There’s always a responsibility here – a lot of young players involved. I know, it’s a very competitive match but have control over your emotions.”
Heated Argument between India U-19 captain Uday Saharan and Bangladesh Bowler Ariful Islam 🥵#U19WorldCup2024 pic.twitter.com/ShHFMX392r
— عامر خان (@cricketunc89165) January 20, 2024
India-Bangladesh cricket matches have historically been fraught with plenty of drama and controversy, with the 2020 World Cup final between the two countries also being a heated affair.
Saharan, who was batting on 39 at the time, went onto complete his half-century, rescuing India from 31-2 in their campaign opener.
