'Very Pathetic Decision-Making...' Former Pakistan Skipper Salmas Standard Of Umpiring at World Cup 2023

Former Pakistan skipper Salman Butt expressed his displeasure with the standard of umpiring at the World Cup 2023, currently being held in India. Butt’s comments come days after the dismissals of Marcus Stoinis and Steve Smith, during Australia’s match against South Africa, triggered a huge row. Australia batter David Warner was also seen fuming at the umpire after he was adjudged LBW out in the match versus Sri Lanka. Talking about the umpiring in the competition, Butt called the decision-making “very pathetic.”

“The umpiring hasn’t been up to the mark in the World Cup—very pathetic decision-making. The likes of David Warner and Jonny Bairstow got marginal decisions. During the India-Pakistan game, Mohammad Rizwan was given out; luckily, he took a review, and the decision was overturned. Then, Babar Azam could have been given out in that match, but he survived. There are no world-class umpiring standards,” Butt said while speaking on his YouTube channel.

Warner was visibly infuriated over an LBW decision given by umpire Joel Wilson. Warner opted for a review and the ball-tracker suggested that ball would have clipped the leg stump. The third umpire instructed Wilson to stay with his on-field decision as it was ‘umpire’s call’. Warner would have been allowed to remain on the field had Wilson’s original decision been not out. Interestingly, Wilson was the same umpire who had adjudged both Steven Smith and Marcus Stoinis not out during Australia’s previous World Cup 2023 fixture against South Africa.

After conceding two back-to-back defeats at the World Cup 2023, Australia clinched their maiden win of the competition against Sri Lanka on October 16. Aussie spinner Adam Zampa came up with a stunning performance having scalped four wickets during the fixture against Sri Lanka. Zampa scripted sensational figures of 4/47 in his eight overs to bowl out the Asian side for 209.

Having lost two quick wickets during the run chase, Australia found themselves in a precarious situation. It was Mitchell Marsh and Marnus Labuschagne who helped the Aussies in bringing back in the contest. Wicketkeeper Josh Inglish scored a terrific half-century to guide the five-time champions to a much-needed five-wicket win in the match. Australia scored the winning runs with 88 balls to spare.

Australia currently find themselves at the eighth spot in the World Cup 2023 standings. In their next match, the Pat Cummins-led side will be up against Pakistan in Bengaluru on Friday, October 20.