Umpire walks off the field - (Source : @ScreenGrab/X.com)
In the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 match between Pakistan and UAE at the Dubai International Stadium, the on-field umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge has walked off the field after getting hit on the head. The incident took place in the second innings, when a wayward throw from a Pakistan fielder hit him on the side of his head.
On-Field Umpire Subbed Off With Concussion
Notably, the accident took place on the 5th ball of the over, when a throw from Pakistan wicket-keeper Mohammad Haris hit the umpire on his head. The physios quickly rushed to the field to check on the umpire of a possible concussion. Meanwhile, Saim Ayub, who was bowling, too checked on the umpire to see if he was okay, but the veteran official was in deep pain and held his head tightly.
The umpire soon walked off the field as the doctors deemed him unfit to continue. It was a rare event and a never-seen before incident in the game. Also, Gazi Sohel, who was the reserve umpire for the ongoing match, replaced the injured umpire.
Internet Slams Pakistan Players Over Misdirected Throw
The video of the wayward throw quickly went viral as the internet was divided over the incident. A section found it funny and quickly made memes as they also pinned match referee Andy Pycroft. Notably, Pycroft was in the centre of the news after the handshake saga against India.
Meanwhile, the other section were unhappy and found the throw to be an deliberate attempt to injure the official, who had given a few decisions against them. Talking about the ongoing match, at the time of writing this article, UAE are batting on 58/3 after 10 overs and still require to chase down 88 runs in 62 balls.
