
New Delhi: Social media is buzzing after Gulbadin Naib’s theatrics of a ‘supposed’ hamstring injury led to a time waste. Simon Doull, the former NZ cricketer and current cricket commentator has said that the theatrics of Naib have earned him a place in the “Oscars or the Emmy!”
Doull added, “The coach sends a message to say slow it down, slow it down and the first slip just dives on the ground needlessly. That is unacceptable. Gone off anyway. I get that might have gone off anyway for the rain.”
On the other hand, Doull’s fellow countryman and former cricketer Ian Smith has shown his desire to meet Nabi’s doctor. “I’ve a dodgy knee for the last 6 months, I am gonna see Gulbadin Naib’s doctor...” Smith said after Naib came back from his injury 15 minutes later to bowl a crucial over.
Ian Smith said, "I've a dodgy knee for the last 6 months, I am gonna see Gulbadin Naib's doctor straight after the game. He's the 8th wonder of the world right now". pic.twitter.com/zEr8gdIRQZ
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 25, 2024
Naib’s ‘cheap theatrics’ only to ‘delay the game’ reckons Doull
Gulbadin Naib who was fielding in the slips suddenly fell on the ground and held his hamstring during the 12th over. These cheap theatrics were done to delay a rain-cuddled game after Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott was seen asking his boys to slow down the game.
This has got to be the most funniest thing ever 🤣 Gulbadin Naib just breaks down after coach tells him to slow things down 🤣😂 pic.twitter.com/JdHm6MfwUp
— Sports Production (@SportsProd37) June 25, 2024
Afghanistan’s captain Rashid Khan was also visibly unhappy as he looked perplexed as to what was happening on the ground. On the other hand, Bangladeshi batsman Litton Das was seen exchanging comical gestures with Mohammad Nabi. Many experts have compared the theatrics of Naib with that of Brazilian footballer Neymar who has also gained notoriety for the same.
Social media was also divided like the opinion panel. While some people found the ‘spirit of cricket’ in jeopardy, others found the instance “comical” and necessary for the team’s win.
Adam Zampa and the Aussies are clearly NOT happy with the apparent cheating that helped end their T20 World Cup 😡
MORE >> https://t.co/VyZo0cge2r pic.twitter.com/az7SDrHo7V
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) June 25, 2024
Rain stops play 🌧️
Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott signals to his players to slow it down as they are 2 runs ahead on DLS.
Immediately Gulbadin Naib, in slips, goes down holding his hamstring.
Absolute cinema 😂👏#AFGvBAN #T20WorldCup #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/2td7jiVPmN
— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) June 25, 2024
Gulbadin Naib pic.twitter.com/Z1x08WUcoS
— Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1) June 25, 2024
Afghanistan physio reviving Gulbadin Naib as if it was PUBG #AFGvBAN pic.twitter.com/QF6hiyuq5R
— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) June 25, 2024