Sri Lanka umpire during match vs Pakistan - (Source: AFP)
On Sunday, India and Pakistan locked horns for the second time in the Asia Cup 2025. For the second straight time, the Men in Blue handed the Salman Ali Agha-led side a big defeat.
Following the conclusion of the match, Men in Green again looked to digress from the real issues and reportedly lodged a complaint against the third umpire. After shifting from Andy Pycroft, PCB has now shifted their focus towards Ruchira Palliyaguruge, who was the third umpire in the India vs Pakistan match.
Notably, Pakistan were unhappy with Ruchira Palliyaguruge's decision to rule Fakhar Zaman out as they felt that Sanju Samson didn't take a clean catch. A controversy erupted following the dismissal, and the internet was divided over the wicket.
Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Yousuf slams third umpire for India match
In the latest events, former Pakistan cricketers Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Yousuf slammed Ruchira and also brought up the Indian cricket team during their conversation. Notably, the duo alleged that the umpire had to also look after his IPL commitments, which is why he was biased towards India.
“They didn’t even check many angles. Fakhar had hit three fours and handled (Jasprit) Bumrah with ease in the first over. His wicket was crucial for India," remarked Mohammad Yousuf speaking to Samaa TV.
Shahid Afridi quickly jumped into the conversation and accused the umpire, who was subbed off the field during Pakistan vs UAE match in group stage because of injury.
“Unhone IPL me bhi toh umpiring karni hai (He has to umpire in the IPL too)," remarked Afridi.
Did Shahid Afridi get it wrong with his facts?
For the unversed, it is important to note that Ruchira Palliyaguruge has never officiated in IPL. Neither as an on-field official nor a match referee or TV umpire. Palliyaguruge has officiated in 18 Tests, 132 ODIs, and 84 T20Is in men’s cricket, and has also stood as an official in 22 WODIs and eight WT20Is.
Notably, in the history of the cash-studded league, only five Sri Lankan umpires have featured in the IPL. Graeme Labrooy, Kumar Dharmasena, Ranjan Madugalle, Roshan Mahanama, and Tyron Wijewardene are the five Sri Lankan officials to take part in IPL.
