In a candid discussion during the Champions Cup, Pakistan all-rounder Faheem Ashraf spoke about the influence of personal relationships between players and umpires in domestic cricket. He revealed that friendships often led to favorable discussions. Players occasionally exchange phone numbers with umpires to maintain these connections.
Furthermore, Faheem Ashraf expressed his disappointment regarding the quality of umpiring in Pakistan’s domestic cricket matches. He noted that many skilled umpires have advanced to higher levels of cricket, leaving a gap in local officiating.
Ashraf on Declining Umpiring Standards in Cricket
“All the good umpires in Pakistan are gone”, he stated, highlighting that their absence has declined the quality of the cricket which can be currently observed in domestic matches. He further elaborated on the issue by stating, “Umpiring in domestic cricket is subpar, but because there is no TV coverage, no one is aware of it”.
However, the Champions Cup has illuminated these problems by allowing fans of cricket and officials to witness the realities of umpiring in Pakistan.
“Now, with the Champions Cup, everyone knows the level of umpiring in Pakistan. Whether it’s good or bad, everyone knows now… who should be umpiring at what level”, he emphasized.
How Television Coverage Can Impact Domestic Cricket in Pakistan?
Ashraf’s remarks emphasize the importance of television visibility in cricket matches. The inclusion of television broadcasts in the Champion Cup has enabled a wide audience to observe and assess the performance of umpires.
This increased attention may prompt those responsible for appointing officials to reconsider their choices based on the visible outcomes. The heightened focus might lead decision-makers to reevaluate their selections based on the noticeable results.
Mutual Favour Exchange Between Players and Umpires
While talking about what happens in domestic cricket, Ashraf cited that interactions between players and umpires can result in favors being exchanged. He commented, “In domestic cricket, players are friends with umpires, so they get saved or umpires take their (phone) numbers”. This revelation revealed concerns about the integrity of umpiring, indicating that personal connections might influence match outcomes.
Faheem Ashraf Contrasts Domestic Cricket with Champions Cup
The all-rounder made a clear difference between the atmosphere in local cricket and the one in the Champion Cup. Ashraf alleged, “But there is no friendship here in the Champion Cup because here everything is one TV screen… Everybody is watching”.
His remarks suggest that the attention from fans and broadcasters during high-profile matches can uphold a standard level of professionalism that might not be upheld in domestic matches.
Faheem Ashraf’s revelations regarding the important concerns about the umpiring in Pakistan’s domestic cricket require immediate attention. His insights about the connections between players and umpires for match integrity are concerning.
Ashraf’s remarks serve as a call to action for cricket governing authorities in Pakistan to prioritize the integrity and quality of officiating at all levels of cricket.
Mallika Sadhu is a journalist committed to revealing the raw, unfiltered truth. Mallika's work is grounded in a dedication to transparency and integrity, aiming to present clear and impactful stories that matter. Through comprehensive reporting and honest storytelling, she strives to contribute to provide narratives that genuinely inform and engage. When not dwelling in the world of journalism, she is immersed in the colors of her canvas and pages of her journal.
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