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September 18, 2025

Pakistan Team Manager Visits Injured Umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge

Pakistan Team Manager Visits Injured Umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge
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DUBAI: Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema visited Sri Lankan umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge at a Dubai hospital on Thursday after he was struck on the head during the Pakistan vs UAE clash in the Asia Cup 2025.

The unfortunate incident occurred on the last delivery of the sixth over of the UAE’s innings when Pakistan’s Saim Ayub threw the ball back towards the bowler. The ball struck the on-field umpire Palliyaguruge, who immediately seemed flustered. He could not carry on and left the field, though he was promptly given medical care by the physio.

In his well wishes, Cheema gave a bouquet to the injured umpire on behalf of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi. In the visit, he expressed best wishes and extended Pakistan’s sincere wishes for his recovery.

Thanks to the gesture, Palliyaguruge replied that he had never felt unloved by Pakistan, whether on or off the field. His words reflected mutual respect and friendship in cricket, extending beyond competition.

The game itself was a win for Pakistan, with Green Shirts beating the UAE by 41 runs to advance into the Super Fours. Their second hurdle will be the decisive battle with the arch-rivals India on Sunday, September 21.