Pakistan files official complaint against 3rd Umpire over Fakhar Zaman catch; ICC bombarded

The Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash between India and Pakistan in Dubai had everything. From verbal spats between the players to the controversial Fakhar Zaman call, the India-Pakistan clash lived up to the hype, but the Men in Green failed to match the Men in Blue’s excellence.

After India’s six-wicket win in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four game, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha raised concerns over the early dismissal of Fakhar Zaman. And now, the Pakistan cricket team management took an expected route against the third umpire.

Fakhar Zaman’s controversial dismissal sparks fresh Controversy in the Asia Cup 2025

The drama began on the third ball of the third over, when Fakhar attempted an offside shot against Hardik Pandya’s off-cutter but got a thin outside edge.

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The ball flew directly toward the Indian wicketkeeper Sanju Samson, who dived and caught it just above the ground at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The catch looked extremely close to the turf, forcing the on-field umpires to refer it to the third umpire, Ruchira Palliyaguruge.

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With only two camera angles available at the moment, the decision was tough, but the third umpire ruled Fakhar out after watching from multiple angles. Fakhar was shocked as he walked back to the pavilion, and the decision instantly disrupted Pakistan’s early batting momentum.

The dismissal triggered an intense debate, with Shoaib Akhtar, Wasim Akram, and Misbah-ul-Haq questioning the third umpire’s decision despite the footage clearly showing that Sanju Samson’s gloves were positioned beneath the ball, confirming the catch was clean.

Who don't see finger behind the ball stop watching cricket .#INDvsPAK #PAKvIND pic.twitter.com/BCFojCI258

— Andy Pycroft 👽 (@Rahu_Ketu_12) September 21, 2025

Fakhar Zaman controversy escalates as Pakistan approaches ICC

Amidst the massive debate among the cricket fraternity, Pakistan has lodged an official complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding Fakhar Zaman’s controversial dismissal by the third umpire in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash against India.

The team management is seeking clarification and review of the decision. A Pakistani journalist was quoted as saying by Geo News, "Pakistan team management has formally complained to the ICC over Fakhar Zaman's controversial dismissal by the third umpire."

🚨 Pakistan team management has formally complained to the ICC over Fakhar Zaman's controversial dismissal by the third umpire. (Geo News) pic.twitter.com/BQ80B4uU9d

— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) September 22, 2025

Salman Ali Agha questions Fakhar Zaman's dismissal

Meanwhile, Salman Ali Agha expressed his frustration over Fakhar's wicket. The Pakistan captain questioned whether the ball may have bounced before reaching the Indian wicketkeeper, saying the possible mistake of the third umpire cost them valuable runs in the powerplay.

Salman Ali Agha said at the post-match presentation, “I don’t really know about the decision. As far as I’m concerned, I thought it bounced before it was carried to the keeper. Umpires can make mistakes, and I have no problem with that. But, to me, it looked like it bounced.”

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Salman Ali Agha says Fakhar Zaman could have taken Pakistan close to 190

Salman felt that if Fakhar had continued batting through the early overs, Pakistan could have pushed their total closer to 190. He acknowledged that mistakes happen on the field but remained convinced that the ball likely bounced just in front of the keeper.

He signed off by saying, “But I might be wrong. I don't know. You can say the way he was batting, if he batted throughout the powerplay, we probably would have scored around 190. Of course, there were some byes and errors, and mistakes happen. I think it bounced just in front of the keeper, but again, I could be wrong.”

Notably, Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka in a must-win Super Fours match on September 23 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Both Sri Lanka and Pakistan are under pressure, having lost their opening Super Four games to Bangladesh and India, respectively.