PAK vs BAN: Harbhajan Singh Blames ICC For Pakistan's Loss To South Africa, Rips Apart The International Cricket Council

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh expressed his displeasure with the DRS technology following the Pakistan-South Africa match in the 2023 World Cup. Harbhajan Singh emphasized that the controversial “umpire’s call” rule cost Pakistan the match.

The Babar Azam-led team suffered a one-wicket loss to South Africa at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday, October 27. The Men in Green put up a total of 270 runs after winning the toss. However, they failed to defend the target to secure the victory.

In the 46th over of South Africa’s innings, the Pakistan team opted for a DRS review when Tabraiz Shamsi was hit on the pads by Haris Rauf. The on-field umpire ruled it not out, and the replays indicated that the ball had brushed the leg stump, leading to Shamsi’s survival.

ICC Should Change This Rule – Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize the ICC for the “umpire’s call” rule. Singh called for a change in the rule, suggesting that if the ball is hitting the stumps, it should be considered out, regardless of the umpire’s initial decision.

“Bad umpiring and bad rules cost Pakistan this game.. @ICC  should change this rule .. if the ball is hitting the stump that’s out whether umpire gave out or not out doesn’t matter.. otherwise what is the use of technology???” Harbhajan tweeted.

Bad umpiring and bad rules cost Pakistan this game.. @ICC should change this rule .. if the ball is hitting the stump that’s out whether umpire gave out or not out doesn’t matter.. otherwise what is the use of technology??? @TheRealPCB vs #SouthAfrica #worldcup

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 27, 2023

Use Technology Or Stick To Umpires Decisions – Harbhajan Singh

The veteran spinner also reacted to Rassie van der Dussen’s controversial dismissal, emphasizing the need for clarity between technology and umpire decisions.

“This isn’t right .. either u use technology or stick to umpires decisions SIMPLE ! In the same game ball hitting the stump twice once given out and once not out ..what r you showing the whole world ? Who’s making the mistakes umpire or technology? Why hv them both ? Need to decide which one is right . UMPIRE OR TECHNOLOGY?”

“He was not out according to me .. but tech was there to give him out as umpire gave him out.. otherwise umpire would hv looked bad for wrong decision.. they saved the umpire there not the player who could have won the game easily for SA”

Also read: IND vs ENG: Harbhajan Singh Urges Indian Team Management To Pick Ravichandran Ashwin In Place Of Mohammed Siraj