Pakistan’s Captain T20i, Salman Ali Agha, has expressed concerns about the controversial dismissal of the opener Fakhar Zaman during the Super Four’s clash of the T20 Cup of Asia T20 of ACC 2025 against India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
When heading to a press conference after Pakistan’s second consecutive defeat against India in the tournament, Agha expressed his reservations about the decision.
“I don’t know about the decision. As far as I’m concerned, it seemed that the ball bounced before being collected. Obviously, it is the work of the referee and they can make mistakes. I have no problem with that. But for me, it looked like bounced,” said Agha.
“I could be wrong, I don’t know. The way Fakhar was hitting, if he had continued through the power game, we could probably have scored around 190,” he added.
The incident took place in the third installment of the third for the Pakistan entries. Fakhar Zaman tried to lead to a limit from Hardik Pandya, overcoming the ball to the Wicktkeeper Sanju Samson.
However, the delivery lost the rhythm of the field, which forced Samson to immerse him forward to take the capture.
Given the proximity of the ball to the ground at the collection point, the referees in the field sent the decision to the third referee. Fakhar, appearing for sure that the ball had touched the grass, waited for the verdict.
After several repetitions from multiple angles, the third referee Ruchira Palliyaguruge begged Fakhar. The left -hander was momentarily incredulous before walking back to the pavilion.
Upon his return, he was seen discussing the decision with Chief coach Mike HESSON, apparently surprised by the result.
The dismissal immediately ignited the debate on social networks, with fans and former players criticizing arbitrary standards in the high profile meeting.
The former Pakistan Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Amir and Fawad Alam Cricket players were among those who strongly condemned the decision, qualifying it “unacceptable” in a match of such magnitude.
Meanwhile, India assured his second victory over Pakistan in the current tournament.
Batting First, the green shirts registered 171-5 in 20 overs, but the men of blue successfully pursued the target in 18.5 overs with four WICKETS in their hand, thanks to the 74-ball game of 39 balls of the first game of 39 balls.
For not versed, India will face Bangladesh in his next game in the same place on Wednesday.
