New Delhi: Former Sri Lankan cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan criticized Ravichandran Ashwin for his views on Indian women cricket team's star player Deepti Sharma 'mankading' Charlie Dean in Lords' ODI against England. The huge controversy garnered reactions from all over the world. Ever since the incident occured, the intense 'Spirit of the game vs Law of the Game' debate has taken the internet by storm.
Recently, R Ashwin, in one of his tweets, lauded Deepti Sharma for her presence of mind but veteran Muttiah Muralitharan criticised Deepti, saying it would have been in the right spirit of the game if Deepti would have given the warning to the non-striker first.
“What presence of mind? No cricketer would play international matches if he or she has no presence of mind. I would have appreciated Deepti (Sharma) if she had given the warning to the non-striker first. It would have been in the right spirit of the game then,” Muralitharan told Deccan Chronicle.
“Yes, lawfully, she (Deepti Sharma) was right in running out the non-striker but that's in the law and not in the spirit of the game. The white ball game is a pressure game and in a tight situation the non-striker may have left the crease early and if this act by the non-striker is repeated, the runout is justified. Not otherwise in my opinion,” the off-spinner added.
Ex-India wicket-keeper Syed Kirmani urged cricketers to bring back the spirit of the gentleman’s game.
“Where is the Bravery & presence of mind “ and a “BRAVERY AWARD” Hah !!! Sorry Ashwin, you have been a party to such Bravery in the past. Come on guys, bring back the gentleman spirit into the game.
If the Bowler feels that the non-striker is taking advantage of backing, the right spirit is to warn him/her ( like Courtney Walsh/ Viv Richards ). If a non-striker continues after warning then the bowler is legitimate to run him out,” told the former cricketer to Deccan Chronicle.