The ‘umpire’s call’ law of cricket once again cropped up as a major controversy during the ODI World Cup 2023 match between Pakistan and South Africa at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday.
Pakistan suffered a heartbreak as Tabraiz Shamsi survived a close LBW shout due to the not-out decision from the on-field umpire. This prompted former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh to launch a stringent criticism of the ‘umpire’s call’ laws.
As per Bhajji, Pakistan lost the match by just one wicket because of bad umpiring and that ICC should change the ‘umpire’s call’ rule.
“Bad umpiring and bad rules cost Pakistan this game.. @ICC should change this rule .. if the ball is hitting the stump that’s out whether umpire gave out or not out doesn’t matter.. otherwise what is the use of technology???” tweeted Harbhajan.
However, Harbhajan’s comment didn’t go well with several fans who brutally slammed the former Team India off-spinner. They advised Bhajji ‘not to cry for Pakistan’.
“Rassi Van Der Dussen was not out, but was given out due to umpire’s call. With your selective outrage, you have clearly shown your overwhelming bias in favor of the terrorist country Pakistan,” wrote a fan.
“Umpires call kya pahli baar suna hai? Rules aaj Bane kya? Fir kaahe ki jabardasti ki Pakistani Youtuber jaise Gyaan de rahe ho? Shoaib Akhtar ke saath rehkar aap bhi aadhe unkey jaise ho gye kya?” tweeted another fan.
In response to Harbhajan’s post, a third user commented, “Tujhe kyu dukh ho rahaa hai itna pakistan ke liye? Itna he lagav aur sahanubhuti hai toh chale ja waha aur reh unke sath.”
Former SA captain, Graeme Smith also hit back at Singh and wrote, "Bhajji, @harbhajan_singh I feel the same as you on umpires call, but @Rassie72 and South Africa can have the same feeling.?