Watch: Gulbadin Naib accused of ‘faking injury’

Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh in a crucial match of the T20 World Cup 2024 and qualified for the semifinals.

The young Afghanistan side achieved this feat after defeating Bangladesh by eight runs (DLS) in the last Super 8 clash of the tournament on Tuesday.

Defending a revised target of 114 runs in 19 overs, they bowled out Bangladesh for just 105 runs.

The Super 8 Group 1 match between Afghanistan and Bangladesh was marred by dramatic scenes and controversy, as Afghan player Gulbadin Naib was accused of deliberately feigning an injury to delay the proceedings.

With Afghanistan ahead by 2 runs according to the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method when the third rain interruption threatened to stop play, Naib, fielding at first slip, suddenly clutched his hamstring and went down, sparking outrage among commentators and fans alike.

This has got to be the most funniest thing ever 🤣 Gulbadin Naib just breaks down after coach tells him to slow things down 🤣😂 pic.twitter.com/JdHm6MfwUp

— Sports Production (@SportsProd37) June 25, 2024

The “dramatic” incident occurred as light drizzle started at the Arnos Vale Ground, and Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott was seen instructing his players to “slow down the game”, aware that a rain delay would put Afghanistan on course to reach the semi-finals.

However, Naib’s actions were met with widespread criticism, with commentator Simon Doull blasting the Afghan all-rounder for his “cheap trick”.

“I do get what the coach was trying to say and sending a message a message but this is unacceptable delaying tactics,” Doull said on air

Even Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan was left unimpressed with Naib’s tactics.

The incident sparked a heated debate on social media, with many calling out Naib’s actions as unsportsmanlike and unacceptable.