Global T20 Canada Controversy: Bangla Tigers Eliminated After Super Over Dispute
The Global T20 Canada tournament was marred by controversy on Friday when Bangla Tigers Mississauga were knocked out of the competition after forfeiting their eliminator match to Toronto Nationals. The incident stemmed from persistent rain that delayed the start of the match in Brampton, Ontario.
With the clock ticking towards the cut-off time, match officials decided that only a Super Over would be possible. This decision was communicated to both teams, in accordance with the playing regulations. However, Bangla Tigers captain Shakib Al Hasan refused to attend the toss for the Super Over in protest.
Bangla Tigers owner Zafir Yasin argued that the match should have been decided by a minimum of five or ten overs per side, rather than just a Super Over. However, GLT20 CEO Joy Bhattacharjya explained that the decision was made by the match officials to ensure a result.
Bhattacharjya also clarified that the Super Over provision was not a sudden addition to the regulations. It had been in place for both Qualifier 1 and the eliminator, but it was only possible to implement it in the second game due to improved ground conditions.
According to the regulations, the game could be called off if the Super Over did not begin by 7.50pm. At the time of the toss, the Toronto Nationals captain was present, but the Bangla Tigers team refused to appear. The match referee subsequently awarded the match to Toronto Nationals.
Yasin expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, claiming that the organizers had compromised the integrity of the competition by seeking assistance from the Toronto owners to procure additional covers. However, Bhattacharjya explained that this was done to ensure that the crucial stage of the tournament would not be decided by the weather.
Despite the match being awarded to Toronto, Bangla Tigers turned up at the venue on Saturday morning to play Qualifier 2. However, they were informed that no fresh requests would be entertained. Brampton, who lost Qualifier 1, eventually lost Qualifier 2 to Toronto, who will face Montreal in Sunday’s final.
