On-field umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge had to be replaced by the fourth umpire during the second innings of the crucial Pakistan-UAE clash in the 2025 Asia Cup.
The build-up to the game was marked by drama, with reports emerging that Pakistan might boycott the fixture. Pakistan’s displeasure with the match referee, Andy Pycroft, arose during the game with India after his alleged role in the handshake saga. With Pycroft also enlisted as the match referee for Pakistan’s game with the UAE, Salman Agha’s side reportedly threatened a boycott.
However, an official PCB statement confirmed that Pycroft apologised for his role after the ICC refused to replace him, and the match went ahead as planned, albeit after an hour’s delay.
Match 10, Pakistan vs United Arab Emirates
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- Ball by ball Over
Why was Ruchira Palliyaguruge replaced midway through the PAK vs UAE game?
Batting first, Pakistan were unable to get going, as they scored only 67-2 after the first 10 overs. After the 15th over, they were 105-6, looking at yet another below-par score, but a 14-ball 29* from Shaheen Afridi at a strike rate of 207.14 took them to 146-9.
UAE, in reply, slipped to 37-3 after 5.5 overs when Palliyaguruge came in the line of a throw by a fielder. Saim Ayub, who picked up a wicket earlier in the over, bowled a length ball to Dhruv Parashar, who pushed it down to mid-on. The throw towards Ayub went astray and struck Palliyaguruge behind his left ear, with the umpire’s back turned to the fielder at the time. He immediately held on to his ear, which seemed visibly red, before the Pakistan fielders went to check up on him.
Pakistan’s team physio also monitored him, as the match was held up briefly. He eventually walked off the field in visible pain. Bangladesh’s Gazi Sohel, who had officiated in 52 T20Is before this game, replaced him on the field.
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