The Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash between India and Pakistan in Dubai was already a high-stakes contest, but the drama extended beyond the field after a controversial dismissal involving Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman. Former Pakistan stars Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Yousuf reignited their war of words against India by questioning the umpiring standards and even hinting at bias. Their comments, made on Pakistani television, sparked debate across cricketing circles, especially as fresh footage later vindicated the umpire’s decision.
The Controversial Dismissal
Fakhar Zaman, known for his explosive starts, looked in fine touch as Pakistan began their innings at the Dubai International Stadium. Facing Hardik Pandya in the third over, Zaman attempted to push at an off-cutter that deviated late. The ball found the edge and went low to wicketkeeper Sanju Samson, who claimed the catch confidently.
The on-field umpire gave it out immediately, but Zaman stood his ground, forcing the matter upstairs. Third umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge, who had earlier officiated in Pakistan’s group stage match against the UAE, reviewed multiple replays. After examining the angles, he concluded that Samson’s fingers were clearly underneath the ball at the point of contact. The soft signal of out was upheld, ending Zaman’s innings on a brisk 15 from 9 balls, including three boundaries.
Zaman, visibly unhappy, voiced his frustration while walking back to the pavilion. His dismissal proved crucial as Pakistan struggled to build momentum thereafter, finishing with a modest total of 171, which India chased down comfortably.
Afridi’s Sharp Remarks
Soon after the match, Shahid Afridi, never one to shy away from controversy, mocked the umpire’s decision on Pakistani TV channel Samaa TV. In his trademark blunt style, Afridi quipped:
“Usse IPL mein bhi toh umpiring karni hai (He has to do umpiring in IPL as well).”
The comment implied that the umpire might have been inclined to favor India due to potential future roles in the Indian Premier League. The remark instantly went viral, drawing criticism and support in equal measure. For Afridi, who has often been outspoken about Indo-Pak cricketing relations, the jibe added yet another layer of tension to the already fierce rivalry.
Yousuf Hints at Bias
Mohammad Yousuf, also present on the panel, echoed Afridi’s sentiments but in a more subtle manner. He argued that Zaman was Pakistan’s key batter and had already shown signs of dominance against India’s pace attack, particularly Jasprit Bumrah.
“Fakhar was the main batter there. He already hit a few boundaries, including against world-class bowler Jasprit Bumrah. So they had to give him out,” Yousuf remarked.
By saying “they had to give him out,” Yousuf suggested that the dismissal was almost orchestrated to ensure Pakistan’s batting momentum was broken early. While his comments weren’t as biting as Afridi’s, they nevertheless pointed towards a belief in bias against Pakistan in crucial moments.
Wasim and Waqar Agree
Interestingly, Pakistan legends Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, who were commentating live during the match, also expressed doubts about the dismissal. Both felt that the third umpire should have checked additional angles before arriving at a conclusion.
Afridi later reinforced this sentiment, adding that the benefit of the doubt should have gone to the batter. This has long been a cricketing principle in cases of uncertainty, though modern technology often makes such calls more conclusive.
Social Media Footage Clears the Air
A day after the game, fresh angles of the catch surfaced on social media. These replays showed that Sanju Samson’s fingers were indeed firmly underneath the ball when he completed the catch. The new footage silenced much of the debate and supported the umpire’s original decision.
For many, this underlined the pressure umpires face in high-stakes Indo-Pak matches, where every decision is dissected and politicized. It also showed the importance of relying on technology rather than speculation or national loyalties.
India Clinch Comfortable Win
The controversy overshadowed what was otherwise a dominant performance by India. Chasing 172, India relied on solid contributions from their top order and eventually sealed the match by six wickets with seven balls to spare.
For Pakistan, Zaman’s dismissal was the turning point. His aggressive start had given Pakistan hope of a big total, but once he was removed, the middle order failed to capitalize. The result left Pakistan under immense pressure in the Super Four stage, with their next match against Sri Lanka turning into a must-win scenario.
Patterns in Afridi’s Remarks
This is not the first time Shahid Afridi has taken a swipe at India over umpiring or cricketing politics. Over the years, he has repeatedly criticized the BCCI’s influence on global cricket. His latest “IPL umpiring” jibe fits into a larger pattern where Afridi views Indian cricket as wielding outsized power, often at the expense of fairness for other teams.
Mohammad Yousuf’s comments, though more measured, also reflect a persistent narrative in Pakistan’s cricketing circles—that umpiring and officiating often tilt in India’s favor, especially in marquee tournaments.
The Broader Rivalry
India vs Pakistan is not just a cricket match; it is a cultural and political spectacle. Every ball, every dismissal, and every umpiring decision is magnified. While the Fakhar Zaman incident may seem minor in isolation, in the cauldron of Indo-Pak cricket, it becomes a talking point that fuels nationalistic debates on both sides of the border.
The truth, however, is often simpler: umpires make difficult decisions in real-time, and technology—while useful—is not always conclusive at first glance. The fresh angle of Samson’s catch proved the decision was correct, but by then the damage in public perception had already been done.
Looking Ahead
As Pakistan prepare to face Sri Lanka in their next Super Four clash, the focus must return to cricketing performance rather than off-field remarks. With their batting still inconsistent and their bowlers under pressure, Pakistan need to regroup quickly if they are to keep their Asia Cup hopes alive.
For India, the victory and the clearing of controversy only boost their confidence. They remain on course for the final, with their players showing form and composure under pressure.
Conclusion
The Fakhar Zaman dismissal and the subsequent remarks by Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Yousuf highlight just how intense Indo-Pak encounters can be. While Afridi’s “IPL umpiring” jibe grabbed headlines and Yousuf’s bias claims added fuel to the fire, the reality was that the umpire’s decision was correct.
In cricket, controversies come and go, but the spirit of the game demands that players, experts, and fans respect the officials’ calls. As the Asia Cup 2025 moves forward, both teams will need to focus less on off-field chatter and more on delivering consistent performances on the field.
