Asia Cup 2025: Fakhar Zaman Left Frustrated After Third Umpire’s Verdict in India vs Pakistan Clash.
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Controversy Over Fakhar Zaman’s Dismissal
When India and Pakistan play, controversy is never far away. It took just 2.3 overs in the Asia Cup Super 4s contest at the Dubai International Stadium for the first big talking point to arrive. Fakhar Zaman, who had started confidently by attacking Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, was dismissed by Hardik for 15.
The drama began when Hardik rolled his fingers across the ball, which gripped and forced Fakhar Zaman into edging it to Sanju Samson. The on-field umpire gave him out, but Fakhar stood his ground, leading to a referral to third umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge. Replays showed the ball dipping close to the ground before settling into Samson’s gloves. After several angles, Palliyaguruge declared the catch clean, ruling Fakhar out.
Shastri’s reaction
When India and Pakistan play, controversy is never far away. It took just 2.3 overs in the Asia Cup Super 4s contest at the Dubai International Stadium for the first big talking point to arrive. Fakhar Zaman, who had started confidently by attacking Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, was dismissed by Hardik for 15.
The drama began when Hardik rolled his fingers across the ball, which gripped and forced Fakhar into edging it to Sanju Samson. The on-field umpire gave him out, but Fakhar stood his ground, leading to a referral to third umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge. Replays showed the ball dipping close to the ground before settling into Samson’s gloves. After several angles, Palliyaguruge declared the catch clean, ruling Fakhar out.
On the other hand, former India coach Ravi Shastri defended the verdict, stressing that replays must be conclusive to overturn an on-field decision. “It has to be conclusive for an on-field decision to be turned around. For the third umpire, Samson had his fingers under the ball,” Shastri explained.
The wicket came at a crucial time for India, as Fakhar was threatening to shift the momentum. Earlier, India captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and opted to bowl first. Both sides made two changes to their XIs from the previous match, having already faced off once in the group stage, where India had emerged victorious.
