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Tensions between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh resurfaced following Sri Lanka's T20I series win, fueled by the controversial dismissal of Angelo Matthews during the 2023 ICC World Cup match.

Sri Lanka clinched the series 2-1 with a decisive 28-run victory in the third T20I at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Saturday. As they lifted the trophy, Sri Lankan players notably gestured with one hand pointing to their wrists, symbolizing the ‘Timed Out’ celebration.

However, Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed his displeasure with the manner of Sri Lanka's celebration, suggesting that they "are yet to move on" from the incident.

This comment underscores the lingering tension between the two cricketing nations, highlighting the unresolved nature of the contentious dismissal and its impact on their relationship.

"There is nothing to handle aggressively when it comes to this. I think they are yet to move on from the timed out dismissal. They should move on and stay in the present since we didn't do anything which outside the rules of cricket. I think they are making a fuss of it but we are not worried about it," Shanto said to the media during the post-match press conference.

This incident was brought back to the forefront when Bangladesh's left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam celebrated dismissing Avishka Fernando in the first T20I on Monday by pointing to his wrist, reminiscent of the controversial dismissal.

Sri lanka wicket-keeper batter Kusal Mendis chose to deflect the discussion, emphasizing that the celebratory gesture was not meant to taunt or provoke the Bangladesh team.

His avoidance of the topic suggests a desire to move past the incident and focus on the cricketing contest at hand, though the tension between the two sides remains deep.

"Everyone can celebrate in their own way and I think we didn't do it like that as everyone was happy and celebrated," Mendis said post match.

During the press conference, Sri Lanka's assistant coach Naveed Nawaz, seated alongside Mendis, intervened to answer the celebratory gesture as he clarified that the gesture had been "misunderstood," aiming to dispel any notion of intentional provocation.

"I think we have moved on from that. It was a celebration which was misunderstood at that time. It was during the heat of the game and I think both teams should forget about it and move on and not take anything from here," said Nawaz.