In the aftermath of Mohammad Rizwan’s contentious dismissal during the second Test against Australia, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to address umpiring and technology issues with the International Cricket Council (ICC). The on-field umpire initially dismissed appeals for a caught behind against Rizwan, but the Decision Review System (DRS) overturned the decision, leading to dissatisfaction within the Pakistan camp.
PCB head Zaka Ashraf, following discussions with team director Mohammed Hafeez, expressed concerns about the umpiring decisions and technology utilization during the match. These concerns are set to be conveyed to the ICC, highlighting the importance of clarity and consistency in decision-making.
Hafeez, visibly upset during the post-match press conference, emphasized the need to address inconsistent umpiring and challenges posed by technology. While supporting technology in the game, he questioned its value when it introduces doubt and confusion.
“I am not against technology in the game. But if it brings doubt and confusion, it is not acceptable. Some decisions were not understandable. The ball hitting the stumps is always out. I will never understand why there is an umpire’s call,” he asserted.
The conversation extended to Rizwan, who insisted that the ball did not touch his gloves, emphasizing the need for conclusive evidence to overturn on-field umpire decisions. As the PCB seeks clarification from the ICC, the incident raises broader questions about the balance between technology and the essence of the game.
