Kaif Ansari - Tuesday, Sep 23, 2025Image Source: X
Shahid Afridi statement on Fakhar Zaman Catch Controversy: Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has made a controversial statement regarding Fakhar Zaman's dismissal against India in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four.
He sarcastically said that the umpire's decision went in India's favor because he also has to umpire in the IPL. Afridi's statement raised questions about the third umpire's decision.
It should be noted that Fakhar Zaman was given out caught by Hardik Pandya in the Super Four match against India. Sanju Samson took the catch, but people questioned Sanju's catch. They believed that the ball had hit the ground before reaching Sanju's gloves.
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Shahid Afridi said on Pakistani TV channel Samaa TV, "The umpire gave the decision in India's favor because he also has to umpire in the IPL."
With this statement, he raised questions about umpiring. It should be noted that in the Super Four match between India and Pakistan, Fakhar Zaman was dismissed by Hardik. Sanju took the catch, prompting the on-field umpire to consult the third umpire. The third umpire then reviewed some slow-motion replays and declared Fakhar out. Fakhar Zaman also expressed his anger at this decision while returning to the pavilion.
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In this context, former Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousuf, who was present on the panel, supported Shahid Afridi's statement (Shahid Afridi news). He said that he did not see multiple angles. Fakhar played Bumrah easily in the first over and hit three fours. His wicket was crucial for India.
Previously, legendary Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar also criticized the third umpire's decision. He said that Fakhar was not out. There were 26 cameras present, but why did the third umpire only look at two angles? If Fakhar had stood, the result of the match could have changed.
Who don't see finger behind the ball stop watching cricket .#INDvsPAK #PAKvIND pic.twitter.com/BCFojCI258
— Andy Pycroft ? (@Rahu_Ketu_12) September 21, 2025
Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema has emailed the match referee and umpire, raising questions about Fakhar Zaman's wicket. According to Sama TV, the Pakistan team management claimed that the TV umpire did not see all the angles before making his decision.
The protests against Pakistan's Fakhar Zaman's dismissal highlighted that the evidence was not clear enough to justify the decision to give Fakhar out.
