Asia Cup: 'TV umpire's decision is final', former umpire shows Pakistan the mirror regarding Fakhar Zaman's decision

The Asia Cup 2025 has seen a lot of drama. The India-Pakistan match in particular sparked controversy. However, Pakistan lost to India in the group stage and Super 4 rounds. The frustration of the defeat was evident when they protested the third umpire's decision to give Fakhar Zaman out in the Super 4 match before the ICC. Pakistan's outcry continues, and now former Indian umpire Anil Chaudhary has also held Pakistan accountable, citing the rules.

What happened?

Actually, during the match, wicketkeeper Sanju Samson took a low catch of Fakhar Zaman off Hardik Pandya's bowling. The third umpire declared Fakhar out, leading to an uproar. Former Pakistani cricketers and fans believe that Samson did not collect the catch properly, and the ball hit the ground. Fakhar was also unhappy with the third umpire's decision and was seen speaking to coach Mike Hesson while returning to the dressing room. Pakistan subsequently lodged a protest with the ICC regarding this decision.

Chaudhary Shows the Mirror

Now, former international cricket umpire Anil Chaudhary has issued a significant statement on this matter. Anil Chaudhary stated that such complaints are not new in cricket. He said, "This is an old tradition in cricket. I won't name any team, but a team will lose by 100 runs and then say the umpire wrongly called a wide." This statement by the former umpire is being seen as a direct message to Pakistan's complaint. Chaudhary indirectly stated that instead of getting embroiled in controversies after a defeat, teams should focus on their game.

TV Umpire Will Have the Final Say.

He clearly stated that the TV umpire's decision is final. Chaudhary said, "Whatever the TV umpire thinks will be considered, regardless of what you or I say. He could have taken a side angle, but every umpire has his own method of satisfaction, and he was satisfied that the fingers were under the ball. There was no clear evidence that the ball had touched the ground." I also thought he was out when I first saw him.

Big Talk on India's Performance

Anil Chaudhary also shared his opinion on the Asia Cup final, saying he believes it will be between India and Sri Lanka. Chaudhary said, "I had predicted that India and Sri Lanka would play in the final. The way India is playing, there is a big difference between India and the other teams. But T20 is a game where one shouldn't make too many predictions. Sometimes even two or three players can change the course of the match."

Sri Lanka Almost Out

Pakistan is already under pressure after losing to India. However, they bounced back by defeating Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is now almost out of the race for the final. The team has also lost to Bangladesh. Now, they will have to win by a big margin against India and depend on the results of other teams. However, Pakistan and Bangladesh are scheduled to face each other, and the winner will secure a place in the final. India will secure a place in the final by winning one match. They face Bangladesh today.