Pakistan’s cricket management has filed a formal complaint with the ICC regarding the controversial dismissal of batter Fakhar Zaman during T20 Asia Cup 2025 match against India.
The incident, which took place on Sunday, saw Fakhar out after a low catch by wicketkeeper Sanju Samson off a Hardik Pandya delivery.
Although the on-field umpire referred the decision to the third umpire, the final verdict of “out” shocked many.
Pakistan’s team manager, Naveed Akram Cheema, first protested the decision to the match referee, and then escalated the complaint to the umpires’ manager.
Controversy and reactions from Pakistani’s fans
The dismissal did not sit well with players, fans, and former cricketers.
Fakhar Zaman himself appeared confused by the decision and was later seen discussing it with head coach Mike Hesson.
Former players like Mohammad Hafeez and Mohammad Amir publicly criticized the umpiring.
Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez even suggested that the team needed to play an “A+ game” to beat both India and the on-field umpiring.
Captain’s reservations on controversial decision
During the post-match press conference, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha voiced his own reservations about the call.
“I don’t know about the decision. As far as I am concerned, it looked like the ball bounced before being collected,” he said.
He acknowledged that umpires can make mistakes but suggested that a prolonged innings from Fakhar could have boosted Pakistan’s total to around 190.
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