Shahid Afridi claims Asia Cup 2025 third umpire officiated in IPL. Discover the truth behind Ruchira Palliyaguruge’s record. (Image Credit: The Indian Express)
Sri Lankan umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge was at the focal point of an intense controversy after he made a contentious decision in India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 encounter. As the third umpire, Palliyaguruge sent Fakhar Zaman caught-behind after on-field umpire Gazi Sohel's soft signal went upstairs. The wicket was taken during a key phase of the game at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, leading to widespread anger among Pakistani fans and ex-players.
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi criticized Palliyaguruge on Samaa TV, accusing him of favouring India. Afridi alleged that the Sri Lankan umpire’s decision-making was biased, even claiming that he had officiated in the Indian Premier League (IPL), hinting at a conflict of interest. “Unhone IPL me bhi toh umpiring karni hai [He has to umpire in the IPL too],” Afridi said.
Other ex-cricketers, such as Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Yousuf, echoed Afridi. Akhtar wondered why Palliyaguruge did not utilize multiple angles given the presence of 26 cameras. "Fakhar wasn't out. He should have been given the benefit of doubt," Akhtar opined, implying that the ball could have hit the ground before Sanju Samson picked it up.
Based on a reliable source, the assertions of Afridi are incorrect factually. Ruchira Palliyaguruge never umpired an IPL game. He has, however, established a long international umpiring career, having stood in 18 Tests, 132 ODIs, and 84 T20Is of men's cricket and 22 WODIs and eight WT20Is.
Just five Sri Lankan administrators — Graeme Labrooy, Kumar Dharmasena, Ranjan Madugalle, Roshan Mahanama, and Tyron Wijewardene — have played ever in the IPL. Palliyaguruge's name is not included.
The scandal serves to illustrate just how fast stories can spin in intense matches such as India and Pakistan. Though Palliyaguruge's move is questionable in the eyes of the fans, allegations of IPL participation are untrue. This clarification brings the attention back to cricket, where players and spectators are keen to put the controversy behind them and look forward to the next battles of the tournament.
