Image Source: Global T20
[Saba Sports News] The aftermath of the Global T20 Canada 2024 Eliminator between Mississauga Bangla Tigers and Toronto Nationals remains chaotic. Tigers’ captain, Shakib Al Hasan, forfeited the match right before the toss, opting for a Super Over resolution by not appearing for the toss.
The decision has sparked controversy, with Tigers’ owner and CEO, Zaffir Yasin, criticizing the tournament’s poor logistics and conditions.
Yasin pointed out that the playing conditions at the CAA Centre in Brampton were unsuitable, stressing that the venue was unprepared to host a match.
He noted that several franchise captains had previously complained about the poor field conditions, which were acknowledged by the tournament and technical committees. “The conditions were not fit to play, and that was clear,” Yasin shared.
He also raised concerns about irregular boundary dimensions, describing them as “zig-zag” on one side of the ground. Yasin criticized the officials for altering the boundary size after the match’s official start time without proper measurements.
He further highlighted the unprofessional communication, where official confirmation was sent via WhatsApp rather than through formal channels.
Yasin also expressed frustration over the decision to resolve the game through a Super Over if a five-over-per-side match wasn’t possible due to weather, a deviation from ICC Playing Conditions. “This rule was made one day before on WhatsApp—a significant change that should have been discussed with the technical committee, the owners, and Cricket Canada,” he added.
Despite the match being awarded to the Nationals, the Tigers showed up the next morning for Qualifier 2, only to be told their request to contest the match would not be entertained. The Tigers, who finished higher than the Nationals in the group stage, felt especially aggrieved given the circumstances, particularly in light of how Qualifier 1 at the same venue was resolved.