Asia Cup 2025: Biggest umpiring blunders and controversies

The 2025 Asia Cup has had some exciting cricket, although the umpiring has been appalling on occasion. The competition began with eight teams, and it has now come down to the last two, who will face off on Sunday, September 28, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, for the coveted Asia Cup trophy.

India and Pakistan will meet in the Asia Cup finals for the first time in the tournament’s history. It is worth noting that the Asia Cup was first held in 1984. In the 17th edition, India and Pakistan will finally face off in the final.

On that topic, let us look at three instances where umpiring judgements drew the attention of the cricket fraternity, although for the wrong reasons.

Asia Cup 2025: Biggest umpiring blunders and controversies

Pakistan vs Oman – Match 4

Umpires Masudur Rahman and Ahmad Shah Pakteen made a huge blunder in the first innings of the Group A clash between Pakistan and Oman in Dubai. Sufyan Mehmood bowled a dot ball to Sahibzada Farhan to end the 10th over. Mohammad Haris, who saw the action from the non-striker’s end, was supposed to face the first ball of the 11th over.

The umpires called for drinks to be taken. After the break, Farhan took strike instead of Haris and took a single off the first ball bowled by Aamir Kaleem. Neither umpire was aware of the fact that Haris should have taken strike. This raised questions about the focus of the two match officials in a big-ticket tournament like the Asia Cup.

Fakhar Zaman departs after controversial call against India – Match 14

Fakhar Zaman was promoted to open the batting against India in the Super-Four encounter against India in Dubai. The southpaw gave Pakistan a blistering start, hitting three boundaries before getting out in the third over. Hardik Pandya bowled a slower delivery, and wicketkeeper Sanju Samson reached forward to take the catch.

On-field umpires referred the decision to TV umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge. After multiple replays, the Sri Lankan umpire adjudged that the ball had carried through to Samson’s mitts. Zaman had to make his way back to the dressing room, much to the frustration of the Pakistan camp. After the match, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha had also hinted that the decision was possibly wrong. The Men in Blue eventually won the match by six wickets.

Dasun Shanaka continues batting even after being run out – Match 18

The last match in the Super-Four stage between India and Sri Lanka went to the Super Over. Off the fourth ball of the Super Over, Arshdeep Singh went full, and Dasun Shanaka failed to make contact. The former Sri Lanka captain began running down the track, looking to steal a bye. However, Sanju Samson held his nerves and under-armed the ball to disturb the stumps at the striker’s end. He caught Shanaka way short of his crease.

The Sri Lankan all-rounder was left stranded at the non-striker’s end. However, Arshdeep wanted to add a wicket to his name and appealed for a caught-behind. The umpire ruled the decision in the left-arm pacer’s favour. Shanaka went for the review and there was a clear gap between bat and ball. The Sri Lankan veteran continued batting as the ball became dead when he was given out caught behind on the field. The first umpiring decision is always considered in such cases, according to the rules.