The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially lodged a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding Fakhar Zaman's controversial dismissal during the Super 4s match against India in the Asia Cup 2025. The incident occurred during Pakistan's innings when Zaman edged a ball from Hardik Pandya to Indian wicketkeeper Sanju Samson.

The on-field umpire, Gazi Sohel, was uncertain about the catch and referred the decision to the third umpire, Ruchira Palliyaguruge. After reviewing multiple replays, Palliyaguruge ruled Zaman out, concluding that Samson had his fingers underneath the ball at the moment of contact. However, the decision has been met with criticism, with many believing that the evidence was insufficient to support the dismissal. Footage from one angle appeared to show the ball bouncing just before reaching Samson's gloves.

Zaman himself appeared stunned by the decision and was reluctant to leave the field. Pakistan's head coach, Mike Hesson, also looked visibly frustrated. Following the match, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha stated in the post-match press conference that he thought the ball bounced before reaching the keeper's gloves. "I'm not sure about the decision — that's the umpire's job. They can make mistakes, and I don't have a problem with that,” he said. “But to me, it did look like the ball bounced before it reached the keeper." He also added that had Fakhar batted through the powerplay, the team might have reached 190 runs.

According to sources, Pakistan team manager Naveed Cheema initially approached match referee Andy Pycroft to protest the decision but was informed that it was outside the referee's jurisdiction. Cheema then escalated the matter by submitting a formal complaint to the ICC via email. A PCB insider confirmed that the board is seeking an investigation into the matter, stating, "Yes, we have complained to the ICC about Fakhar Zaman's dismissal. He was not out, according to us, as the ball didn't carry properly."

This isn't the first time the PCB has raised concerns with the ICC during the Asia Cup 2025. Earlier, the board had requested the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft after the group stage match against India, alleging that he failed to uphold the spirit of cricket after Indian players refused to shake hands with Pakistani players. The ICC rejected this demand. The PCB then issued a statement claiming that Pycroft apologized for "miscommunication" during the group stage game.

The PCB's handling of the media during the 2025 Asia Cup has also faced criticism. For example, Pakistan's media manager, Naeem Gilani, avoided taking questions from Indian presspersons during the post-match conference.

With the ICC now reviewing the complaint regarding Zaman's dismissal, the Pakistan team has called for a transparent explanation. The incident has further intensified the rivalry between the two cricketing giants, and with a potential rematch on the horizon, the dispute over officiating is likely to continue to fuel tensions.