A controversial third-umpire decision to dismiss Fakhar Zaman during Pakistan’s Asia Cup T20 clash with India has triggered anger among fans, players, and analysts.
Fakhar, looking set on 15 runs with Pakistan at 21, edged Hardik Pandya to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant. Field umpires referred the catch upstairs, but replays appeared to show the ball bouncing before Pant collected it.
Despite this, third umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge ruled Fakhar out, shocking commentators and the batter himself.
Social media erupted, with fans calling the decision “blatant” and “unfair,” reviving memories of earlier umpiring controversies involving the same umpire.
Former cricketers supported Fakhar, stating that the verdict was indeed wrong.
Mohammad Amir posted on X that the opener was “clearly not out,”
Fakhar was not out that's the tweet.
— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial) September 21, 2025
while ex-captain Mohammad Hafeez suggested Pakistan needed to battle “Team India and the on-field umpires.”
Team Pakistan need to play A+ game to beat team India & on field Umpiring 🙏. #PakVsInd #AsiaCupT20
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) September 21, 2025
Fawad Alam quipped that Pakistan seemed to be “playing against 14 players.”
Seems like we are playing against 14, not 11. Fakhar was clearly not out!! #PakVsInd
— Fawad Alam (@iamfawadalam25) September 21, 2025
Sohaib Maqsood Tweeted:
yea Third Umpire wo hi tu nah ju last 2 matches se field main peechay para huea tha pakistan ke???fakhar ka out phr yea No ball nah di#indvspak
— Sohaib Maqsood (@sohaibcricketer) September 21, 2025
Amir Yamin Said:
امپائر بھای جو بھی کروُجتنا پاکستان نے ہے آج
— Amir Yamin (@amiryamin54) September 21, 2025
Ali Zafar Tweeted:
Congratulations Pakistan, despite the wrong decision on Fakhar Zaman. #indiavspak #asiacup
— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) September 21, 2025
The decision also reignited scrutiny of Palliyaguruge, whose calls against Pakistan in the group match saw four successful reviews overturning his judgments.
Fakhar, who had partnered confidently with Sahibzada Farhan, walked off visibly disappointed, leaving Pakistan fans frustrated over a ruling they believe changed the game’s momentum.
