Salman Ali Agha Penalised After Controversial Run-Out by Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha faces action after run-out row.
A controversial run-out incident during the second One-Day International (ODI) between Bangladesh and Pakistan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur has sparked widespread debate over the spirit of cricket. Pakistan batter Salman Ali Agha was dismissed in unusual circumstances by Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, leading to visible frustration from Agha and subsequent disciplinary action against him.
The incident occurred in the 39th over of Pakistan's innings, with Agha batting on 64 off 62 balls and involved in a 109-run partnership with Mohammad Rizwan. Rizwan defended a delivery from Miraz, and the ball rolled toward Agha at the non-striker's end. Agha, who had stepped out of his crease, bent down to pick up the ball—apparently intending to return it to the bowler—believing it might be dead. However, Miraz reacted swiftly, collecting the ball ahead of Agha and under-arming it onto the stumps while Agha remained out of his ground. The on-field umpires referred the appeal to the third umpire, who confirmed the run-out as legal under the laws of the game.
Agha reacted angrily to the decision, throwing his gloves and helmet to the ground in disgust before walking off the field. He exchanged words with Miraz and other Bangladesh players during his departure, reigniting discussions on sportsmanship versus strict adherence to rules. The dismissal contributed to a collapse, as Pakistan lost seven wickets for 43 runs following the incident, though they eventually won the match by 128 runs (DLS method) to level the series.
Post-match, Agha addressed the controversy, admitting he got carried away in the heat of the moment and had a war of words with Miraz, saying neither was particularly polite. He emphasized that while Miraz's action was within the laws, he believed the "spirit of cricket" should have prevailed, stating he would have acted differently in the same position. Miraz defended his decision, explaining that Agha was already out of his crease and he was simply pursuing the ball, adding that had he missed it, Agha might have attempted a run.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) took action against Agha for his on-field conduct, issuing a formal reprimand and one demerit point for abuse of equipment under the Code of Conduct—a Level 1 offense. The episode has divided opinions, with some former players and fans criticizing Miraz's lack of sportsmanship in what appeared to be a gesture of goodwill by Agha, while others uphold the legality of the dismissal in a competitive international match.
