Picture Credit: X
The Shan Masood-led Pakistan might have lost the three-match Test series 2-0 with a match still left to be played, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is mulling to take wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan’s controversial dismissal in the recently concluded second Test to the International Cricket Council (ICC). This decision comes after Pakistan suffered a 79-run loss against Australia to go down 0-2 in the series.
The PCB has reportedly decided to take up these issues pertaining to umpiring and use of technology with the ICC. The news came from a reliable source withing the PCB. It stated that PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf had a conversation with Team Director Mohammad Hafeez, who conveyed these points to him in regard to umpiring and the use of technology.
During Pakistan’s 317-run chase, the on-field umpire initially rejected appeals for a caught behind by Australian captain against Rizwan, but the decision was overturned through DRS. In the DRS, the snickometer indicated a spike when the ball hit Rizwan’s wrist.
Watch Rizwan's wicket here:
Speaking at the post-match press conference Hafeez pointed out the inconsistent umpiring, which had influenced the second Test in Melbourne. “If you look at the entire game, there were very inconsistent decisions by the umpires. We play this beautiful game of cricket with natural instinct, and we all know the basics of the game,” Hafeez said.
He also spoke on the importance of clarity and certainty in the sport with technology coming into play. “However, at times, it feels like the focus is more on technology than on actual cricket being played. I believe this is an area that need to be addressed,” he reiterated.
Pakistan and Australia will square off in the final Test of the three-match series at the Sydney Cricket Ground, starting January 3rd.
