Concussion Scare: Umpire Walks Off After Hit During Pakistan-UAE Clash | Cricket News

Saim Ayub (2L) speaks with Sri Lankan field umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge after he was hit by the ball (Picture credit: AFP)

It seems like Pakistan and problems regarding match officials are not going to end anytime soon. After a few hours of drama around the team’s participation in the Asia Cup just before their must-win clash against the UAE, on-field umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge was hit by a throw from a Pakistan fielder and had to be taken off the field due to a concussion scare.

Pakistan’s frustration with match referee Andy Pycroft stemmed from the clash against arch-rivals India, after his alleged involvement in the handshake controversy.

With Pycroft enlisted as the match referee for Pakistan’s game with the UAE, Salman Agha’s team threatened a boycott, according to reports.

An official Pakistan Cricket Board statement confirmed that Pycroft apologised for his role after the International Cricket Council refused to replace him and the game went ahead as planned, albeit after an hour’s delay.

Concussion Concern: Umpire Hit Behind the Ear, Sidelined

It was ace Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, who first blasted an unbeaten 29 off 14 deliveries to prop up what still otherwise looked a modest total of 146/9.

Chasing the paltry score, UAE, in reply, slipped to 37/3 within the powerplay when Palliyaguruge came in the way of a throw by a fielder.

Saim Ayub, having struck earlier in the over, delivered a length ball to Dhruv Parashar, who nudged it towards mid-on.

The throw back to Ayub went off target and smacked Palliyaguruge behind his left ear while his back was turned to the fielder.

Palliyaguruge held on to his ear, which seemed red, before the Pakistan fielders went to check up on him.

Pakistan’s team physio monitored Palliyaguruge as well, as the game was held up. He walked off the field in visible pain.

Bangladesh’s Gazi Sohel, with 52 T20Is as an umpire before this match, stepped in to replace Palliyaguruge on the field.

First Published:

September 18, 2025, 07:37 IST