The dismissal of Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash against India has caused a huge stir. Former cricket stars Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Yusuf, have all criticised the decision that was delivered by the third umpire.
‘They just looked at two camera angles and gave him out’: Shahid Afridi
“There are 26 cameras, but somehow the right angle isn’t available. Wow! And then they just looked at two angles and gave him out,” Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar said, claiming that the decision was completely unfair.
“Fakhar wasn’t out. If there was a split decision on the review, the benefit of the doubt should have gone his way. But what are the chances that they check it using the midwicket camera?,” he added.
Akhtar also claimed that the result of the India vs Pakistan match might have been different, if Fakhar had stayed. “Who knows, if Fakhar had stayed at the crease, the match might have turned out differently”.
Speaking on Pakistani channel Tapmad, Akhtar criticised the speed and fairness of the decision. He described it as hasty, shocking and completely unfair. Akhtar said the match could have turned out differently if Fakhar had remained at the crease. He also challenged the ICC to show footage from all 26 camera angles.
“Umpiring standards was a joke. The ball clearly hit the ground first. The glove was not underneath at all,” he said.
‘Unhone IPL me bhi toh umpiring karni hai’: Shahid Afridi criticises third umpire
Shahid Afridi while speaking to Samaa TV expressed his frustration with a smile. “Unhone IPL me bhi toh umpiring karni hai [He has to umpire in the IPL too],” he said, hinting at “bias” towards India. His comment drew laughter in the studio but reflected Pakistan’s growing irritation.
Pakistan lost to India by six wickets at the Dubai International Stadium, marking their seventh consecutive loss to India in international cricket and their second straight loss in this tournament.
Fakhar, who had started aggressively with three boundaries off nine balls, was given out caught behind off Hardik Pandya in the third over. Wicketkeeper Sanju Samson dived low to take the catch, but replays suggested the ball barely touched the ground.
Former Pakistani cricketers argued that despite inconclusive evidence, the third umpire ruled Fakhar out.
What Mohammad Yusuf said
Mohammad Yusuf supported Afridi’s view, pointing out the timing of Fakhar’s wicket. “They didn’t even check many angles. Fakhar had hit three fours and handled Bumrah with ease in the first over. His wicket was crucial for India,” Yusuf said.
Pakistan captain Salman Agha responds
Pakistan captain Salman Agha acknowledged the call was debatable but refused to blame it entirely. “Umpires can make mistakes. To me, it looked like the ball bounced, but India bowled well and we were inconsistent,” he said.
India chased down 172 in 18.5 overs, with Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill putting together a 105-run opening stand. Once again, India’s players skipped handshakes with Pakistan, choosing to acknowledge only the match officials.
Pakistan now head to Abu Dhabi to face Sri Lanka on Tuesday, while India meet Bangladesh on Wednesday in their next Super Four match.