Speaking on a panel with Samaa TV, Afridi took a cheeky swipe at the officials, remarking, \u201cThey need to work in the IPL also.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
His comments came in the wake of criticism across Pakistan\u2019s cricketing circles over the third-umpire decision that ended Fakhar\u2019s promising innings.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The flashpoint arrived in just the third over of Pakistan\u2019s chase after India opted to bowl first. Fakhar, who had begun confidently with three early boundaries, edged an off-cutter from Hardik Pandya.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Wicketkeeper Sanju Samson dived forward to claim the catch, but replays appeared to show the ball brushing the ground before being gathered cleanly. Following a lengthy review, the third umpire ruled the batter out, leaving Fakhar visibly frustrated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Backing Afridi, batting legend Mohammad Yousuf rued the timing of the dismissal. \u201cHe was our main player, he started off well hitting a few boundaries against world-class bowlers (Jasprit Bumrah),\u201d Yousuf said, suggesting Fakhar\u2019s early aggression could have altered the game\u2019s complexion.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha, addressing reporters after the match, admitted his own doubts. \u201cI don\u2019t really know about the decision. As far as I\u2019m concerned, I thought it bounced. Umpires can make mistakes, and that\u2019s understandable. To me, it looked like it bounced, but I could be wrong,\u201d he said. The captain added that Fakhar\u2019s dismissal robbed Pakistan of momentum. \u201cIf he had continued, I felt we could have reached around 190,\u201d Salman noted.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Backing Afridi, batting legend Mohammad Yousuf rued the timing of the dismissal. \u201cHe was our main player, he started off well hitting a few boundaries against world-class bowlers (Jasprit Bumrah),\u201d Yousuf said, suggesting Fakhar\u2019s early aggression could have altered the game\u2019s complexion.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With this setback, Pakistan\u2019s qualification hopes rest on their remaining Super 4 fixtures against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. A potential third showdown with India in the final, however, remains on the cards if results swing their way.<\/p>\r\n\r\n