An exhilarating face-off between Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Gulf Giants reached its climax in the latter half when Carlos Brathwaite, after an eight-extras over within the powerplay, surprised everyone by abruptly leaving the field.
This unexpected departure occurred following his delivery of a wrong’un and conceding eleven runs in the fifth over against the Knight Riders’ openers.
The West Indies all-rounder casually strolled off the field, creating a puzzling scenario on the ground. Cameras captured Gerald Erasmus near the boundary ropes with reserve umpire Shiju Sham, who seemed bewildered by the unfolding events.
With the Giants having already utilized their super-sub midway through the contest, Sham engaged in a serious conversation with Erasmus, whose name was not on the teamsheets.
Shortly after, the reserve umpire approached Giants head coach Andy Flower to address the situation. Meanwhile, someone from the support staff summoned Brathwaite, and the Caribbean cricketer hastily returned to the field.
— Jas Pope (@jas_pope93438) January 31, 2024
— Jas Pope (@jas_pope93438) January 31, 2024
On-field umpire Rod Tucker expressed bewilderment at the situation and admonished the 35-year-old for violating the rules by leaving the field without informing anyone, triggering a Twitter frenzy.