Saud Shakeel was controversially given caught-behind in the PSL final despite no apparent edge, causing immense frustration to the batter, who did not have DRS technology available to review.
No DRS in PSL 2025 post resumption
The PSL, which was suspended mid-season due to growing political tensions with India, resumed on May 18 but without the facility of the DRS.
While there was no official word from the PCB about its absence, it was reported that the Hawk-Eye crew, who are the providers of the DRS, decided against travelling back to Pakistan for the remaining games. A total of eight games were played after the tournament resumed on May 18, including three play-off games and the final.
Quetta Gladiators had to pay a heavy price for the lack of DRS after their skipper Shakeel was given out in the first innings of the final against Lahore Qalandars.
Batting on three at that point, Shakeel tried to glance a yorker down the leg side from "="">
"="">Decision Review System (DRS) will continue to remain unavailable for the playoffs and final of the ongoing PSL. The technology has not been used since the resumption of the tournament as Hawk-Eye crew, the provider of the technology, did not travel back to the country.
"="">— Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi (@ahsannagi) May 21, 2025 " target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shaheen Afridi. There was a visible gap between the bat and the ball, with commentator Mike Haysman even suggesting it could have been given a wide.Despite Shakeel's evident disbelief, the on-field umpire declared him out. Shakeel responded with a prolonged stare towards the umpire before reluctantly leaving the field, having no DRS option available. Commenting on his reaction, Haysman noted, "He doesn’t look happy at all."
Quetta managed 201-9 in their 20 overs, with Afridi ending with 3-24 in four overs.
Final, Quetta Gladiators vs Lahore Qalandars
vs
- Ball by ball Over
Lahore started well in response, reaching 41-1 in four overs at the loss of Fakhar Zaman's wicket, who was trapped lbw by Abrar Ahmed.
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