Litton Das accuses Rizwan of snubbing post-match handshake

ISLAMABAD: Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das has accused Pakistan batter Mohammad Rizwan of not taking part in the customary post-match handshakes after both Tests against Bangladesh, describing the conduct as disrespectful and unprofessional.

The issue follows tension between the two players during the second Test in Sylhet, where they were involved in a brief on-field confrontation. The exchange took place in the 72nd over of Pakistan's innings when Rizwan complained about movement near the sightscreen. Litton challenged the delay before umpire Richard Kettleborough intervened to defuse the situation.

Speaking at an event organised by a Bangladeshi media outlet, Das said Rizwan's conduct after the matches had stayed with him. He said post-match handshakes should take place regardless of what happens during play.

"I didn't like one thing. Whatever happens on the field, once the game is over, you shake hands with everyone. After we won the first Test, Rizwan didn't come to shake our hands. That's just bad, no matter who you are or how big a player you are. Win or lose, it's about respect,"

Das said that even if Rizwan had a problem with him personally, that did not justify what he described as a lack of respect towards the Bangladesh side as a whole.

"He might have an issue with me, but the whole Bangladesh team didn't do anything to him. What should we expect from him next time? He didn't show respect to our team,"

Despite the criticism, Das also acknowledged Rizwan's value in Pakistan's batting line-up and said he and former captain Babar Azam were the two main batters Bangladesh had identified as threats in the series.

"I knew only Babar and Rizwan could really trouble us. Rizwan's record against Bangladesh is very strong, and that stayed in my mind,"

Das said Bangladesh had specifically made plans around Rizwan during the series. Referring again to the incident, he added that Rizwan's standing in Pakistan cricket made the matter more notable to him, while also mentioning Rizwan's habit of taking time between deliveries.

"He's a big deal in Pakistan, but something happened that I didn't like. Ever since, I had a question mark about him. Plus, everyone knows Rizwan takes his time between balls. I was keeping wickets in that heat, and it was tough. So I decided to do something about it,"