Dubai: Pakistan cricket team management has lodged a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the controversial dismissal of opener Fakhar Zaman during the Asia Cup clash.
According to sources, team manager Naveed Akram Cheema conveyed his concerns to match referee Andy Pycroft immediately after the match. The official complaint was also forwarded to the ICC’s Umpires Manager, as per protocol.
The controversy arose when Sri Lankan TV umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge, considered relatively inexperienced at this level, declared Fakhar Zaman caught behind for just 15 runs when Pakistan’s score was 21. The decision shifted the game’s momentum, leading to strong backlash from the team and fans.
Reports suggest that head coach Mike Hesson and Fakhar Zaman expressed disappointment in the dressing room. The dismissal was also widely criticized on social media, with several former cricketers questioning the decision.
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif stated that the umpire gave the benefit of doubt to the bowler instead of the batter and failed to review more angles despite having the technology available.
At the post-match press conference, Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha cautiously remarked:
“Fakhar’s dismissal might have been incorrect, we felt the ball touched the ground, but ultimately the decision rests with the umpires.”
This incident has sparked fresh debate on the quality of umpiring in high-stakes matches, particularly in tournaments as significant as the Asia Cup.
