AUS vs PAK, 2nd Test: Pakistan Cricket Board takes over Mohammad Rizwan’s resignation from the ICC

Mohammad Rizwan was controversially dismissed by umpires on the field against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.

Mohammad Rizwan speaks to the umpire after being controversially given out in the second Test against Australia. (Image: X).

Karachi: Following the controversial dismissal of Mohammed Rizwan in the second Test against Australia, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to raise issues regarding umpiring and use of technology with the International Cricket Council (ICC). On Friday, the on-field referee refused to give Rizwan off after Australian captain and pacer Pat Cummins insisted on going behind, but the home side managed to overturn the decision through the DRS.

However, the Pakistan camp was less than happy with the decision being overturned after the ‘Snickometer’ showed a spike when the ball was just above Rizwan’s wrist.

A reliable source within the PCB said that its head Zaka Ashraf had a conversation with team director Mohammed Hafeez, who told him some points about the umpiring and use of technology during the Melbourne Test, which they lost by 79 runs.

Mohd Rizwan is a garden variety trickster who appeals to religion to claim piety. Has faked injuries countless times, this is just another example. pic.twitter.com/kmfHBGOji4

— Gabbar (@GabbbarSingh) December 30, 2023

Now the PCB is all set to raise these points with the global governing body. All rules and regulations relating to cricket and the use of technology on the field are approved by the ICC Executive Board after being vetted by the MCC Cricket Committee and the ICC Cricket Committee.

Hafeez was visibly upset at the post-match press conference at the MCG on Friday as he highlighted the need to highlight inconsistent refereeing and the challenges of technology that had affected the Test outcome.

“If you look at the whole match, there were very inconsistent decisions from the referees. We play this beautiful game of cricket with natural instinct and we all know the basics of the game. However, sometimes it feels like the focus is more on technology than the actual cricket being played. I believe this is an area that needs to be addressed,” he had told Hafeez.

The former also reiterated the need for clarity and certainty in sports. “I’m not against technology in the game. But if it brings doubt and confusion, it is not acceptable. Some decisions were not understandable. The ball that hits the stumps is always out. I will never understand why there is a referee call,” he explained.

Hafeez said he had a conversation with Rizwan and the wicketkeeper-batsman told him that the ball had not hit his gloves, and that there would have to be compelling evidence to overturn the on-field umpire’s decision.