The Asia Cup Super 4 match between India and Pakistan was a thrilling one, but one decision confused everyone.
Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman was caught by Sanju Samson after edging a slower delivery from Hardik Pandya in the third over.
The on-field umpires called in third umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge, who, after reviewing multiple angles, declared Fakhar out. Fakhar had scored only 15 runs, including three fours.
The Pakistani team questioned the decision, stating that the catch did not appear to be valid. A complaint was also lodged with match referee Andy Pycroft.
Former players erupt in anger
Former Pakistani cricketers were furious over this decision.
Shahid Afridi openly stated on Sama TV, “Unhone IPL me bhi to umpiring karni hai.” Meaning, if umpires have to work in the IPL as well, then they probably sided with India. Mohammad Yousuf said that the review didn’t take into account all the angles. Fakhar was in good form, playing even Bumrah with ease, and his wicket was a game-changer for India.
Shoaib Akhtar launched a scathing attack on Pak TV: “Fakhar wasn’t out. He should have been given the benefit of the doubt. It’s impossible for the camera to look at a wide wicket.
Otherwise, the cameras show the entire stump, but in this case, they couldn’t find the angles. Why couldn’t they find those angles? When 26 cameras were available, why did the third umpire check only two angles? If Fakhar had stopped, the course of the match could have changed.
The third umpire’s level of judgment was questionable. It’s clear that the ball touched the grass. His hands weren’t completely on the ground. The ball’s weight is also important.”
Captain Salman Ali Agha adopted a slightly softer stance in the press conference, but expressed doubt.
He said, “Umpires can make mistakes. But it did look like it bounced ahead of the keeper to me. I might be mistaken, but so might the umpire.” The Pakistani team also pointed out the lack of camera angles. This controversy arose after the group stage match, where the drama of not shaking hands at the toss had already taken place.
Fact Check: What is the truth about IPL contracts?
Now the real question is, is the IPL claim by former players true? Ruchira Palliyaguruge has umpired 18 Tests, 132 ODIs, and 84 T20Is in men’s cricket, as well as 22 ODIs and 8 T20Is in women’s matches. She has officiated in a total of 158 T20 matches, including 110 on-field and 48 TV umpires.
But she is not among the five Sri Lankan umpires who have worked in the IPL. In IPL history, only Graeme Labrooy, Kumar Dharmasena, Ranjan Madugalle, Roshan Mahanama, and Tyron Wijewardene have officiated, officiated on television, or refereed matches.
So, the allegations about Afridi and others having IPL contracts are proven wrong.
