Umpiring Row Erupts After Fakhar Zaman’s Controversial Wicket

The Asia Cup 2025 has thrown up another heated debate, this time surrounding Fakhar Zaman’s controversial dismissal against India. What should have been a routine decision has now turned into a storm, with fans questioning whether the umpires are truly neutral in this rivalry.

Fakhar was timing the ball sweetly. The flashpoint came when Hardik Pandya delivered a slower one, Fakhar edged the ball and Sanju Samson, standing as wicketkeeper, claimed a low catch. Indian fielders celebrated quickly, but replays told another story. The angle showed the ball appeared to touch the ground before settling into the fielder’s hands. For many watching, the bounce was clear. Yet after a brief check, the third umpire ruled Fakhar out.

That verdict flipped the momentum of the match. Pakistan fans in the stands erupted in anger, waving placards and chanting “not out.” On social media, clips of the replay went viral within minutes. “The ball bounced, everyone saw it. How did the umpire miss this?” one fan wrote. Another accused the officials of “playing for India.”

This is not the first time such accusations have surfaced. Pakistan’s supporters still recall past Asia Cup and World Cup moments where key calls seemed to favor India. Each fresh controversy adds fuel to the narrative that umpires go soft when the men in blue are involved.

Cricket experts also voiced frustration. “If technology is there, use it properly. Decisions like this hurt the game’s credibility,” a former Pakistan captain said during the post-match show.

As the rivalry intensifies, so do the doubts. For Pakistan fans, Fakhar’s dismissal wasn’t just about one wicket. It felt like another chapter in a long-running story of questionable calls whenever India is on the other side.