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'Simply disgraceful': Cricket world erupts over IPL first as Buttler gets 'Mankaded' by Ashwin
Kings XI Punjab captain Ravi Ashwin has earned the ire of the cricketing world after using the divisive Mankad dismissal to end Jos Buttler’s big innings in the Indian Premier League.
Kings XI, defending a target of 185, looked set to lose to the Rajasthan Royals when Buttler was cruising on 69 runs from 43 balls.
But it all changed on the penultimate ball of the 13th over, when Samson was the striker.
Buttler started backing up and Ashwin, after landing for his bowling action, stopped, hesitated and knocked the bails off at the non-striker’s end.
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As the umpire sent it upstairs to confirm Buttler was out of his crease, the crowd erupted at the realisation that they had just witnessed the IPL’s first Mankad.
“It’s touch and go there. I’m not a fan of it, I’m not a fan,” Australian great Matthew Hayden said in commentary.
He added later: “That’s a terrible, terrible gesture.”
The play is perfectly legal under MCC laws but is rarely seen at the top level, and the reaction explains why.
So disappointed in @ashwinravi99 as a Captain & as a person. All captains sign the #IPL wall & agree to play in the spirit of the game. RA had no intention of delivering the ball – so it should have been called a dead ball. Over to u BCCI – this a not a good look for the #IPL
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) March 25, 2019
As Captain of your side – you set the standard of the way the team wants to play & what the team stands for ! Why do such a disgraceful & low act like that tonight ? You must live with yourself & FYI – it’s to late to say sorry Mr Ashwin. You will be remembered for that low act https://t.co/jGif2TOnjI
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) March 25, 2019
Warne engaged in a heated argument with famous Indian cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle over the dismissal.
The Australian spin great accused Bhogle of standing up for one of his own:
Harsha you are missing the point completely & I’m disappointed in you as you always push the spirit of the game – now you condone this behaviour ? Ashwin’s actions were simply disgraceful, and I hope the BCCI doesn’t condone this sort of behaviour in the #IPL ! #spiritofthegame https://t.co/BsIKDBN51X
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) March 25, 2019
Harsha, if that had of been an international player you would have nailed him ! Please do not be bias & stick up for your own. Any player in the game that does that to anyone is an embarrassment to the game & as captain it’s even more disgraceful ! #spiritofthegame ! https://t.co/4PqLL1MzBT
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) March 25, 2019
The skipper Ashwin’s unexpected play worked as the Royals slumped to 9-170 off their 20 overs to lose by 14 runs.
Steve Smith made his professional return but could only put 20 runs on the board before falling to England’s own Sam Curran, while Rajasthan’s last seven batsmen made no more than six runs each.
“I didn’t even load and he left the crease,” Ashwin said in defence of his actions.
“It’s always been my take on it, because it’s my half of the crease. We ended on the right side of it but those things are game-changers and batsmen need to be wary of it.”
Ashwin’s Mankad was not the first suffered by Buttler, who was run out by Sri Lanka in 2014 even after receiving warnings by the bowler and umpire.
Royals skipper Ajinkya Rahane played down the fresh controversy and said his team will take it “sportingly”.
“We are not supposed to comment on a controversial issue. The match referee will take the call,” he said.
Warne wasn’t the only former cricketer to weigh in as debate raged over whether Buttler had received satisfactory warnings, as in his previous case.
England ODI captain Eoin Morgan, Michael Vaughan and Aussie Dean Jones were among those sharing their thoughts:
I can’t believe what I’m seeing!! @IPL Terrible example to set for young kids coming through. In time I think Ashwin will regret that.
— Eoin Morgan (@Eoin16) March 25, 2019
If @josbuttler had been warned well that’s fine … if he hasn’t and it’s the first time I think @ashwinravi99 is completely out of order … watch how often this happens from now on !!!!!!! #IPL
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 25, 2019
Will teams now start monitoring players in opposing teams to see which ones back up out of the crease etc etc and use it as a tactic to get them out !!!?????? Surely the game hasn’t come to this ….. #IPL
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 25, 2019
The Laws state it’s OUT … Still doesn’t mean I like it at all … just think it’s a bad look for the game … I would prefer a 1 warning rule then after that it’s a free for all … only my opinion so don’t abuse please … or you can if you want .. I am not arsed #OnOn #IPL
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 25, 2019
Ashwin, that’s shocking behaviour! Very disappointed to see that.
— Jason Roy (@JasonRoy20) March 25, 2019
He ain’t winning any spirit of cricket awards is old ashwin
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) March 25, 2019
Just woken up to a Mankad! Why?!? #villagecricket pic.twitter.com/70wjuVbm4i
— Grant Elliott (@grantelliottnz) March 25, 2019
Law 41.16 a batsmen at non strikers end should not leave his ground UNTIL the bowler has released the ball!
SO OUT! Lesson.. batsmen watch the bowlers release the ball! #easy #SelectDugout
— Dean Jones (@ProfDeano) March 25, 2019
Don’t blame Ashwin here. As it’s allowed in the Laws of the game.. how is it disrespectful or against the spirit of the game if it’s allowed within the Laws of game?
Blame the administrators for making the Law.
— Dean Jones (@ProfDeano) March 25, 2019
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