Former Indian test cricketer Harbhajan Singh has expressed his belief that Pakistan suffered due to poor umpiring and regulations in their match against South Africa. He took to the social networking platform X to share his thoughts and urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to revise the rules.
Harbhajan Singh emphasized that, according to the law, if the ball hits the stumps, a batsman should be given out, regardless of the umpire’s decision. He questioned the utility of technology if such decisions were not upheld.
Many cricket fans on social media have also raised concerns about the umpiring in the match against South Africa.
In this World Cup match, a thrilling contest unfolded with South Africa needing 8 runs to win on the last ball of the 46th over of their innings. Pakistan required just one more wicket to secure victory. Haris Rauf bowled to South Africa’s lower-order batsman Tabrez Shamsi, and the ball struck his pad. Pakistan appealed for an lbw (leg before wicket) decision, but the on-field umpire ruled not out. Pakistan decided to review the decision.
Upon review, it was observed that the ball from Haris was marginally touching the stumps, but it was retained as “not out” due to the umpire’s call. If the on-field umpire had originally given Haris out on that delivery, Pakistan would have won the match, while South Africa would have lost the review even if they had opted for it.
In this ICC World Cup match, South Africa secured a remarkable one-wicket victory over Pakistan after Pakistan posted a total of 270 runs, with their innings concluding in the 47th over.
