India vs Pakistan: Shoaib Akhtar slammed the umpires
Shoaib Akhtar felt that if Fakhar Zaman had stayed at the crease, the outcome of the India match might have been different.
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was furious over the poor umpiring in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match against India, where Fakhar Zaman was given out in a controversial decision. Akhtar believed that if Fakhar had stayed longer, the result could have changed. Pakistan eventually lost by six wickets at the Dubai International Stadium, marking their seventh straight defeat to India in international cricket and second consecutive loss in this tournament.
Controversial Dismissal of Fakhar Zaman Sparks Fury
The incident took place on the third ball of the third over after Pakistan were asked to bat first in the high-pressure clash. Hardik Pandya delivered an off-cutter that Fakhar Zaman tried to play towards the off side, but he got a faint edge. The ball carried to wicketkeeper Sanju Samson, though Fakhar was certain it had touched the ground before reaching the gloves.
The decision was referred to the third umpire, who closely reviewed the footage since the ball was inches above the ground before reaching the gloves. After zooming in, the umpire ruled Fakhar Zaman out, a call that left the batter stunned. Still in disbelief, he lingered on the pitch for a moment before walking back to the dugout.
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Pakistan’s Strong Start Falters Despite Farhan’s Half-Century
Speaking on Pakistani channel Tapmad, Shoaib Akhtar blasted the umpire for giving Fakhar Zaman out so quickly, calling the decision hasty, shocking, and unfair. He insisted that if Fakhar had stayed at the crease, the result against India might have been different. Akhtar even challenged the ICC to release footage from all 26 camera angles.
Fakhar was not out. In such close calls, the benefit of the doubt should go to the batter. But instead of using all 26 cameras, they only checked two angles and gave him out. Why wasn’t the midwicket camera used? The ball clearly touched the ground first, and the glove was never underneath. The standard of umpiring was a joke. If Fakhar had stayed at the crease, the match could have taken a different turn,” Akhtar said.
India’s Openers and Tilak Varma Seal Comfortable Victory
Pakistan made a brisk start after being put to bat, scoring 23 runs in the first 15 balls before Fakhar Zaman’s dismissal. However, opener Sahibzada Farhan steadied the innings with a fine half-century, guiding Pakistan to a total of 172 runs.
India’s openers dominated with a 105-run partnership, and Tilak Varma applied the finishing touches to complete the chase with seven balls remaining.