KRL-SNGPL Quaid Trophy match ends in a controversy
The four-day Quaid-e-Azam Cricket Super Eight Round match between KRL and SNPGPL ended in a controversial but highly exciting draw here at the National Stadium on Thursday.
However draw left both the team captains Azhar Ali of SNPGL and Saeed Anwar Junior of KRL furious and disappointing.
Pakistan’s one-day captain Azhar and ex-Pakistan T20 captain Muhammad Hafeez believed poor information provided by Match Referee Anwar Khan, denied their team a victory.
“Anwar Khan repeatedly told us that cut off time for the match was 5.14 pm But field umpires Zameer Haider and Muhammad Sajid took the match past 5.30 pm. This was injustice”, Hafeez commented. “We suffered because of non provision of proper information to us as we have to play accordingly,” he remarked.
SNGPL needed 221 runs in 41 overs to win the match. But ended with 193 for the loss of eight wicket in 33.4 overs when umpires drops off the bails.
However as per the information provided, field umpires weather and light permitting, have the authority to take beyond the time in case of possible result.
Azhar, Umar Akmal visited the Referee Room once and Hafeez nearly half a dozen times and inquired about that playing conditions. However one occasion Anwar Khan told them that umpires have the control of the match inside the ground.
Match continued in a fading lights and there was some vociferous appeals from KRL bowlers against Azhar Ali in a tension moments as they were bidding to record a dramatic win.
“It was an exciting, thrilling and dramatic match which ended in draw,” SNGPL coach Basit Ali said. He however seemed unhappy with the some decision of umpires and information provided by Match Referee Anwar Khan.
Match Referee Anwar Khan clarifying his position, said all team officials were provided playing conditions, they must thoroughly read it and abide the rules.
