Pakistan all-rounder Faheem Ashraf publicly exposed the poor umpiring standards in the country's domestic cricket circuit. Ashraf accused domestic umpires of favoritism and questionable integrity.
Faheem Ashraf blasts umpiring standards in Pakistan
Ashraf, while speaking during a post-match interview after a game in the Champions One Day Cup 2024, pointed out the glaring disparity in umpiring quality between televised and non-televised matches. He noted that while top umpires have progressed to higher levels or left Pakistan, the domestic level continues to suffer from poor umpiring standards, often overlooked due to limited media attention.
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"Our good umpires have gone ahead. Umpiring in domestic cricket is also like this (poor) but because there is no TV coverage, no one has the idea... Now (with the Champions Cup) everyone knows at what level umpiring is in Pakistan. Good or bad, everyone knows now... The panel that is appointing them have to see now who should be umpiring at what level," Ashraf said.
Ashraf's main criticism is that domestic umpires often favor players they know personally. Ashraf, who has represented Pakistan in 17 Tests and is currently playing for the Dolphins in the Champions Cup, claimed that there are no competent umpires left in the domestic league.
"In domestic cricket, players are friends with umpires, so they get saved or umpires take their (phone) numbers. I am talking straight," he further stated.
Ashraf argued that this practice damages the fairness and integrity of the sport.
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"But there is no friendship here (in the Champions Cup) because everything is on the (TV) screen. Everybody is watching," Ashraf added.
With 34 ODIs and 48 T20Is for Pakistan, Ashraf called for stricter oversight and selection processes for umpires in domestic cricket. He urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to carefully evaluate umpire appointments, suggesting that some might be swayed by bribes from players. His remarks sparked a heated discussion on the necessity of enhancing umpiring standards and increasing transparency within Pakistan's domestic cricket. Ashraf's revelations underscore the urgent need for reforms to uphold fair play and maintain the sport's integrity at all levels.
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