Mathews Receives Touching Tribute from Bangladesh Amid Farewell Test

News Desk

Islamabad: In a poignant gesture of sportsmanship, Bangladesh players gave Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews a guard of honour during his farewell Test match at the Galle International Stadium on Thursday.

The tribute came in the 52nd over of Sri Lanka’s first innings, when the 38-year-old Mathews walked out to bat following the dismissal of Dinesh Chandimal. As he stepped onto the field, Bangladeshi players and match officials lined up on either side, applauding the veteran cricketer in a moment that reflected mutual respect and recognition of Mathews’ illustrious career.

Visibly touched by the gesture, Mathews acknowledged the tribute with a raised hand before taking his position at number four. The fielding side then resumed their positions as play continued.

The moment held added significance given the tense history between the two teams—particularly the controversy surrounding Mathews’ “timed out” dismissal during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India.

In that incident, Mathews was ruled out without facing a ball after a helmet malfunction delayed his readiness, and Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan appealed for the rare dismissal. It marked the first such incident in international cricket history and sparked heated reactions, with Mathews calling Shakib a “cheat” and seeking intervention from the ICC.

However, Thursday’s show of respect at Galle hinted at reconciliation, highlighting the spirit of the game and offering Mathews a dignified farewell.

Having made his Test debut in 2009, Angelo Mathews has been a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s batting line-up and a former captain of the national team. His retirement marks the conclusion of a remarkable 15-year journey, bringing an era of Sri Lankan cricket to a close.