Samson’s Catch Controversy Asia Cup 2025: Fakhar Zaman dismissal
In the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash on September 21 in Dubai, Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman’s dismissal for 15 off Hardik Pandya sparked fury, as PCB alleges Sanju Samson’s low catch was invalid. The board’s latest ICC complaint demands scrutiny of the TV umpire’s call amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions. So let’s have a look at Samson’s Catch Controversy Asia Cup 2025.
What happened in the IND vs PAK match?
Fakhar edged a slower off-cutter from Hardik in the third over, with Sanju Samson diving low to pouch it at ankle height. On-field umpires Gazi Sohel and Richard Illingworth referred it upstairs; TV umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge reviewed side-on and zoomer angles, ruling the ball carried cleanly with fingers underneath.
Fakhar stood ground in disbelief, shaking his head while walking off, as coach Mike Hesson fumed in the dugout. Replays showed ambiguity, some suggested a bounce, others a clean take dividing experts like Wasim Akram, who called it erroneous.
PCB’s Complaint Process
Post-match, team manager Naveed Cheema approached match referee Andy Pycroft, who dismissed it as outside his purview. Cheema then emailed ICC, claiming Palliyaguruge overlooked angles and evidence wasn’t “clear and conclusive” per rules, favoring the fielding side unjustly.
A PCB source told Hindustan Times: “He was not out… the ball didn’t carry properly. We seek an investigation.” Captain Salman Ali Agha echoed doubts in the presser: “It looked like it bounced… umpires can err, but we could’ve hit 190 with Fakhar.” This follows PCB’s handshake protest after the group stage loss.
Reactions and Implications
Former Pakistan stars Shoaib Akhtar and Misbah-ul-Haq slammed the verdict as hasty, fueling a social media frenzy. Fresh side-angle footage later vindicated Samson, showing no bounce, per Hindustan Times. Indian fans mocked PCB’s “crying habit” on X.
ICC hasn’t responded yet; an inquiry could probe umpiring protocols, but it risks heightening rivalry ahead of Pakistan’s must-win vs Sri Lanka on September 23. For India, unbeaten and topping Super Four, it underscores their edge in high-pressure moments.
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