Wednesday 24 / April / 2024
Dharamsala: What’s wrong in ‘mankading’? Oman captain Sultan Ahmed shot back as he was forced to go on the offensive with the international media hurling a barrage of questions on the subject during a press conference at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium on Tuesday.
The official match-eve press conference was meant to preview Oman’s opening Group A preliminary round match of the ICC World T20 against Ireland but the media preferred to grill skipper Sultan referring to a ‘mankading’ incident by a Oman player during their recent Asian Cup qualifying campaign.
Stating ‘this is well within the spirit of the game’, Oman captain questioned the liberty taken by the batsmen while also justifying the bowlers right to ‘mankade’.
“Why are the batsmen shooting off the crease before the ball is being bowled,” questioned Sultan.
The ‘Mankad’ rule is still questionable but the governing body the International Cricket Council (ICC) is yet to change the law.
“If it is within the ICC laws, I don’t think we have done anything wrong,” said Sultan.
After the ‘mankading’ incident at the Asia Cup, Oman think-tank too was prepared for the barrage of questions from the media and team manager Jamil Zaidi also issued a clarification.
Zaidi said: “We were told by the ICC to give one warning before ‘mankading’ the batsman.”
Eyeing history
Though ‘mankading’ was the focal point of media briefing, Sultan also took the opportunity to talk about Oman’s opening match against Ireland and their chances of success.
He stressed that Oman is looking to cause a flutter in the tournament.
“Since the Asia Cup qualifiers, we have got into a momentum. And the warm-up win against Scotland has done a lot of good to our confidence,” said the Oman captain.
“We will play our own style of game and we know if our bowling, fielding and batting clicks then we will be on the top,” he added.
Asked about Wednesday's match against Ireland, their first outing in the four-team group, Sultan said: “All three teams are strong and if we do our best, history can be made.”
“Be it Ireland, Netherlands or Bangladesh, we look to them as ‘similar opponents’. All the boys in our team are ready... we fear none,” he added.
Sultan also sees no concerns in playing the match in the night.
“We have been here some days ago. We have also played against Himachal team and got good exposure. The conditions don’t worry me, but I hope our successful collective effort brings laurels.”
Irish objective
On the other hand, Irish skipper William Porterfield, a veteran by all means, said: “It’s a 3-on-3 (three wins out of three) for us. We will work to our strengths to achieve that.”
“We have been out of action for some time now and coming into this big tournament, to perform well is a big ask. But we are prepared well and raring to go,” added Porterfield.
Speaking about Oman, he said: “Oman have played more matches than us. But we hope to do well.”
Porterfield also had to respond to ‘mankading’ queries and the Irish captain sounded more diplomatic.
“Yes we all know that it (mankading) doesn’t depict good spirit. But if ICC still has the law in draft nothing can be said,” he said.
Going by history, Dharamsala has offered some high scoring games and Porterfield agreed the lush green outfield and pitch can’t change more.
“I think going by history there will be more runs. A good stroke can fetch runs on this fast-paced field. I am expecting it but let’s hope it’s doesn’t change,” said Porterfield, who played a captain’s knock in a warm-up match against Hong Kong at the same ground.
But that comfort level of a winning start was rudely shaken with a defeat against Zimbabwe at the same venue.
“That’s the virtue of the format and we have to face it,” said the Ireland skipper.
After two-days of heavy rain dropping ice-lets, Tuesday was bright and sunny with all preparations at the venue going on in full swing.
If rain permits, Wednesday will witness an exciting double header.
