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Usman Khawaja’s controversial dismissal copped a lot of flack from all around in a tight knockout game

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Sydney Thunder were chasing 185 against the buoyant Strikers to claim the place in the Challenger in quest of the title. After 6.2 overs the Thunder were well placed at 56-1 with in-form Khawaja and Sangha at the crease. What unfolded the next ball eventually changed the complexion of the game.


Khawaja got a thick outside edge off Matt Short, and the ball floated towards short third where Fawad Ahmed was stationed. Fuzzy dove forward, collected the ball and started celebrating, while Khawaja stood his ground certain that the ball was grassed.


Much to everyone’s surprise that the on-field umpire gave a soft signal of “OUT” before proceeding to the third umpire for review. The third umpire, after looking at a few angles, did not find conclusive evidence to overturn the on-field call despite one angle indicating the ball hitting the ground. The decision remained out and the fulcrum of Thunder’s batting had to depart.


Khawaja himself made some stern remarks about the decision,


“I thought at the end of the day the soft signal cost me. I’ve never been a big fan of the soft signal.”


“When they give it out on the field it makes it hard to overturn.”


“I said to the umpires on the field that I can’t believe a blade of grass didn’t touch the ball because that is all it takes.”


“It looked like a blade of grass 100 per cent touched the ball. I’ll accept the umpire’s decision, but I don’t agree with it.”


Even on Fox Commentary Michael Vaughan and Mark Howards were not very satisfied with the decision and expressed their dissent on comms. Vaughan additionally added his thoughts on the soft signal,


“I am not a fan off the soft signal of out”


“I’m sure the fingers were around the ball but I’m not sure they were under the ball.” remarked Vaughan


Whereas, Mark Howard believed that it was crucial to the outcome of the game.


“This is an enormous moment in this game,” Howard exclaimed.


Umpiring in the BBL has come under massive scrutiny in this season as well as the previous one with some really controversial calls over the two seasons. The absence of DRS as well due to budget restrictions doesn’t concur well with the growth of the tournament.


Overall, umpiring calls like these at the end of the day leave a sour taste to fans and players alike.

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