Former Pakistan cricketer and Bangladesh Spin-Bowling Coach Mushtaq Ahmed revealed he personally stepped in to resolve tensions between Mohammad Rizwan and Litton Das following the heated exchange during the second Test between Bangladesh and Pakistan in Sylhet. Speaking during a recent ARY News television programme, Ahmed said the matter was settled privately between the two players after the confrontation drew significant attention during the match.
“At the breakfast table, I spoke to Rizwan and Litton Das and resolved the issue between them. They have no problem with each other,” he said.
Mushtaq Ahmed on the fight btw Liton Das & Rizwan:
– "Yesterday on breakfast I've settled everything between both of them.I've given plan to Liton if Rizwan do these types of things then you'll also treat him in the same way &this is the Test beauty".
— usman (@cricbyusman) May 21, 2026
Mushtaq Ahmed explains Rizwan’s approach
Former Pakistan leg-spinner also defended Rizwan’s behaviour during the Test, describing the Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter’s actions as part of a deliberate tactical approach designed to unsettle opponents during long-form cricket.
“I told him not to cross the line or make comments that go below the belt,” Ahmed added while discussing his conversation with Litton Das after the incident.
“This is also part of the beauty of Test cricket — frustrating each other, teasing one another, and trying to distract the opposition from their plan and mindset. Tactically, it can be a smart move. The Australians do this a lot,” he stated..
The confrontation took place during Pakistan’s second innings while Rizwan was batting during a tense run chase on day four of the Sylhet Test. The exchange began after Rizwan stopped briefly before facing Taijul Islam, appearing unhappy with movement near the sightscreen while speaking to the on-field umpire.
Rizwan and Litton Das exchange drew attention during Sylhet Test
Litton Das then confronted Rizwan during the stoppage and said: “Yeh kya kar rahe ho aap? [What are you doing?]”
As the discussion continued in the middle, Litton added: “Udhar kya dekh rahe ho? Idhar dekho. [What are you looking at there? Look here.]”
Rizwan responded during the exchange by saying: “Is that your job, mine, or the umpire’s?”
Litton Das absolutely violated Mohammad Rizwan 😭🏏
“Why are you looking there? Look here… bat here!” 💀
Rizwan: “Talk to me respectfully.”
Litton: “If you can’t play, just get out.” 🗿🔥
Cricket sledging heritage 😂 #BANvPAK #Cricketfight pic.twitter.com/SRoWnjmByT
— Sunanda Patra (@Sunanda_Iam) May 20, 2026
The stump-mic conversation quickly escalated as more Bangladesh players became involved after Rizwan reached his half-century during Pakistan’s chase.
Ahmed later suggested Rizwan deliberately uses such moments during matches to unsettle opposition players and disrupt their focus. He added: “Rizwan can be frustrating at times, but I believe he does it intentionally as a strategy. He knowingly does certain things to frustrate opponents so they come out of their bubble, drift away from their game plan, and lose focus.”
The exchange continued even after Rizwan reached his half-century, with Bangladesh players continuing to verbally engage the Pakistan batter.
“50 ho gayi, ab acting shuru ho jayegi,” Litton said following Rizwan’s milestone.
Bangladesh Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto also joined the exchange from the field and remarked: “Overacting ke hum 50 rupees kaatenge.”
Bangladesh completed historic series sweep
Despite Rizwan’s resistance with the bat, Pakistan were unable to complete the chase as Bangladesh secured a 78-run victory in Sylhet. The result completed a 2-0 Test series sweep for Bangladesh after the home side had already won the opening Test by 104 runs.
The series victory marked Bangladesh’s second consecutive Test series whitewash over Pakistan following their 2-0 triumph against the same opposition in Pakistan in 2024.
