The no-ball controversy from India vs Pakistan clash does not seem to die down. Now, former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi has raised questions over on-field umpires’ decision to signal the no ball instead of referring it to the third umpire. Many including former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg questioned the no ball call and were baffled by the umpires’ reluctance to send it upstairs for review in a crunch situation in final over.
"Jab se ye third umpire aya hai... Bohut sare run outs hai jaha pe on-field umpire bas signal kar dete hai third umpire k liye. Wo ek crucial situation tha, waha pe agar third umpire ko refer kar dete toh wo aapko bata dete but aapne fauran kar di no-ball ka ishara. Itni koi eagle eyes nahi hai aapki, third umpire ko refer kar sakte the. (There are many instances in the past when the umpires immediately signal for the third umpire for run-out appeals. That was a crucial stage of the match, it should have been referred to the third umpire, who could have been a better judge. You don't have eagle eyes that you made a decision so quickly)," the former all-rounder said on Samaa TV.
Not just people off the field but skipper Babar Azam along with his players protested the no-ball call as well. However, on-field umpire Marais Erasmus stood by his decision and Rob Tucker backed him. Earlier, Virat Kohli had asked the square leg umpire Erasmus whether it was above waist height right after hitting Mohammad Nawaz’s delivery for a six.
The no ball had a huge impact on the outcome of the game. From needing 13 runs off three deliveries, India needed six runs off the final three balls with Kohli on strike. The free hit delivery led to more drama as Kohli got bowled but he and Dinesh Karthik sprinted between the wickets to sneak three runs. The no ball shifted the momentum in India’s favour and caused chaos among Pakistan team. As a result, India snatched a famous win from the jaws of defeat at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
