Pakistan’s legendary pacer Wasim Akram has slammed the umpires for a decision involving Mohammad Nawaz during Pakistan’s T20 World Cup encounter against South Africa. Nawaz tried to sweep Tabraiz Shamsi and got a thick bottom edge which hit his pads in the 13th over. The on-field umpire adjudged him to be out. Instead of reviewing the decision, Mohammad Nawaz walked off the field as well.
However, he seemed to have failed to see the umpire’s finger which was being raised. Notably, as per the rules, the all-rounder could have reviewed the LBW decision as it would have been overturned and the run-out wouldn’t have counted as well.
Speaking to A Sports, Wasim Akram explained: “I think technology has spoiled the umpires. They know that decisions like LBW, caught behind and no ball are all checked by the third umpire. So it is human nature that they will get a bit more relaxed.”
Wasim Akram further added: “So this is where the ICC should have come in. I am all in for technology. But if there are humans standing, then they have some jobs, right? They aren’t there just to hold the sweaters.”
Meanwhile, former Pakistan pacer Waqar Younis was also present on the panel and gave his opinion on Mohammad Nawaz’s dismissal. He felt that non-striker Iftikhar Ahmed should have been more aware and should have asked his partner to review the LBW decision as well. Nawaz added a crucial 52-run stand with Iftikhar to rescue Pakistan from 43/4 as well.
On this, Younis stated: “If you watch the replays, the ball hit Mohammad Nawaz’s pads, then he tried to take a single and as he was sent back, the umpire gave him out. So actually, Nawaz didn’t see the finger being raised as he had his back on the umpire and he thought he was run out. So I think it was Iftikhar who was sleeping. It was his job to tell Nawaz to hold on and check for the LBW decision.”
Meanwhile, Iftikhar’s 51 and Shadab Khan’s quickfire 22-ball 52 ultimately helped Pakistan reach a total of 185. They later registered a 33-run win over South Africa in a rain-curtailed encounter to stay alive in the race to the semifinals as well.
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