Pakistan have lodged an official complaint with ICC over Fakhar Zaman’s controversial dismissal in the India clash. (Image Credit: Times of India)
The Pakistan cricket team has officially lodged a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding Fakhar Zaman’s controversial caught-behind dismissal during the Asia Cup Super Four clash against India. According to reports, Pakistan’s team management first approached match referee Andy Pycroft but were informed that the matter was beyond his jurisdiction. Subsequently, team manager Naveed Cheema sent an email to the ICC, seeking clarity and raising concerns over the decision-making process.
The flashpoint came when Zaman, batting on 15, was adjudged caught behind by Sri Lankan TV umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge after a referral. On-field umpire Gazi Sohel had initially given a soft signal of not out, but the TV umpire ruled that Sanju Samson’s fingers were under the ball and declared it a fair catch. From certain camera angles, however, the ball appeared to have bounced just before being taken.
The decision left Zaman visibly frustrated, as he stood his ground momentarily before walking back. The incident reignited discussions on the consistency of third-umpire calls in high-stakes matches.
Following the match, Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha hinted at dissatisfaction over the call.
“I don’t know about the decision. It’s the umpire’s job, and they can make mistakes. But it looked like the ball bounced before reaching the keeper,” Salman said, adding that Zaman’s wicket might have cost Pakistan crucial runs early in the powerplay.
He further stated that had Zaman continued, Pakistan could have posted a total closer to 190, potentially altering the match outcome.
This complaint marks yet another chapter in an already tense India-Pakistan rivalry. It comes on the heels of the handshake controversy that saw Indian players avoiding post-match handshakes, prompting PCB to demand Pycroft’s removal as match referee an appeal ICC rejected twice.
With emotions running high, the latest grievance is likely to add more fuel to the fire ahead of Pakistan’s next Super Four fixture against Sri Lanka. Whether ICC takes any action on the complaint remains to be seen, but the debate over the dismissal is expected to continue dominating cricketing discussions.
