Former India skipper Gautam Gambhir urged ICC to remove umpire's call from LBW decisions, suggesting that if the ball touches the stumps, the batter should be deemed out, regardless of the umpire's initial call.
Pakistan suffered a one wicket defeat at the hands of South Africa in their ODI World Cup clash in Chennai on October 28. Pakistan notched a not-so-impressive total of 270 after Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel's fifties. Temba Bavuma's men started the chase well with Aiden Markram hitting a brilliant 91 to steer Proteas closer to the finishing line. But Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf struck at the right moment to leave South Africa reeling at 260/9. But Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi held nerves and eked out a thrilling victory for South Africa which jeopardized Pakistan's chances to make it to the semifinals.
Pakistan would have won the match in 46th over itself when a Haris Rauf delivery, bowled wide off the crease, stuck Shamsi on the pads and Pakistan went for the DRS call after on-field umpire ruled it not out.
Despite the on-field umpire's initial verdict of not out, Pakistan opted for a DRS review. The ball-tracking indicated the ball was just brushing the leg stump, but thanks to the Umpires' Call, Shamsi remained at the crease, much to the dismay of the Pakistan team.
In contrast, an earlier decision saw Rassie van der Dussen taking the walk back, as the "umpire's call" did not favor him.
Such decisions have stirred debates and dialogues in cricketing circles and among fans worldwide. Leading the charge for change is former Indian cricketer Gambhir said," I am not saying this because Pakistan lost the game. This happened with South Africa as well and the ICC should make the rule clean. The batter should be declared out if the ball clips the bails.”
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