Watch: Hasan Ali's Controversial Catch Sparks Debate

Pakistan’s sojourn in England has started on a controversial manner.  Their fast-bowler Hasan Ali has landed in hot-waters after controversially claiming a catch despite dropping the ball. The incident had happened in their opening tour match against Kent on Saturday. Pakistan made light work of Kent in the 50-over contest. The reigning Champions Trophy winners thrashed Kent by 100 runs after piling up a mammoth total of 358 for seven.

However, the result of the game and Pakistan’s dominant performance took the back seat as Ali caught the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Kent were 176-3 in reply in the 30th over when Alex Blake, on 89, skied a return catch to Ali, who was bowling. Ali caught the ball initially but soon appeared to drop it.  He, however, continued his celebration as the ball lay on the ground and the batsman was not given a reprieve by the umpire. The batsman started walking towards the dressing room but his partner was seen shouting and asking him to stay.

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As per the laws of cricket,  a catch is completed only when “a fielder obtains complete control over both the ball and his/her own movement”.

No surprises then Ali is facing the heat for flooring the dolly and then celebrating it in what can be called an unsporting gesture.  Well, Pakistan is not new to controversy when it comes to England. Around a decade ago, their reputation had taken a beating by a spot-fixing controversy in 2010. Three players – Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt – had received lengthy bans for their involvement in the scandal.

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Meanwhile, here is a clip showing Hasan Ali’s controversial ‘catch’:

https://twitter.com/ravingtwadster/status/1122241723202248705?

Pakistan, meanwhile,  announced on Monday that veteran batsman Shoaib Malik has returned home to deal with a personal issue. The veteran batsman is likely to rejoin the team in 10 days’ time.

“The PCB will not be making any further comments and fully expects all concerned to respect Shoaib’s privacy,” the Pakistan Cricket Board said in a statement.

Pakistan are gearing up to play one T20I and five ODs against England before the start of the World Cup on May 30.