AUS VS PAK Test Series: Pakistan Cricket Board director Mohammad Hafeez has stated his dissatisfaction on the controversial dismissal of Pakistani wicketkeeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan in the second innings of the second Test match against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne. He particularly deemed that decision as an unjust to the Asian side as it came at a very decisive moment where things were very tricky for either side and Rizwan's dismissal opened the floodgates for Pakistan's batting order that ultimately collapsed. No other country has even chased a target of 300+ this century at the esteemed MCG, but Pakistan were on verge of etching themselves as immortals in the history books but for them sadly, it couldn't be the case.
As reported by PTI, Mohammad Hafeez wasn't in a pleasent mood at the post-match press conference and had the following to say:
"If you look at the entire game, there were very inconsistent decisions by the umpires. We play this beautiful game of cricket with natural instinct, and we all know the basics of the game. However, at times, it feels like the focus is more on technology than on the actual cricket being played. I believe this is an area that needs to be addressed," said Hafeez in concern with modern day umpiring technologies available.
“I am not against technology in the game. But if it brings doubt and confusion, it is not acceptable. Some decisions were not understandable. The ball hitting the stumps is always out. I will never understand why there is an umpire's call,” he added.
However, the PCB director saw the positives as well, given the fact there were plenty of facts stating the disarray in which Pakistan were while coming into the second Test.
Pakistan will be looking to salvage some pride as they have already lost the series to Australia as any further damage can severely hinder their chances to progress in the World Test Championship Final in 2025.