In an embarrassing development in Bangladesh, a match in the Dhaka Premier League was delayed for about 15 minutes after both sides reportedly challenged the appointment of a female on-field umpire. The embarrassing episode was reported during a game between Prime Bank Cricket Club and Mohammedan Sporting Club on April 25, Thursday.
Astonishingly, among the players representing Prime Bank Cricket Club for the match was former Bangladesh national team captain Mushfiqur Rahim, who is a legend of the game in the country.
According to local media reports, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) umpires' committee said that players and officials representing both Mohammedan and Prime Bank expressed "disappointment" and "indignation" after they learnt a female umpire has been assigned to officiate the game. They complained about the move but were ultimately made to accept the decision.
Considering the humiliating experience the umpire experienced, the teams may receive punishment from the Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM). However, the body is yet to look into the matter, the reports added.
Meanwhile, another report said that the game was once again delayed and Mushfiqur Rahim was in the middle of the development. Attempting to clear the deep-mid wicket boundary, the veteran wicketkeeper batter struck the ball that was tossed up outside the off-stump. A running Mohammedan player flung himself to complete a splendid catch to the disappointment,ment of the Prime Bank dugout.
However, the on-field umpires referred the catch to the third umpire as the dismissed player and the new man walking in waited on either side of the boundary rope. The fielder's boot had touched the rope as he recovered and ran to celebrate the catch, the television replies showed. However, Mushfiqur was ruled out by the umpires after a ten-minute delay in the game, news reports said.
