Former Pakistan player Salman Butt believes that there is a lot to improve when it comes to the umpiring standards in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. However, Butt shared how there have already been quite a few controversial calls that took place in the marquee event so far. He also said that this shouldn’t happen in a tournament of such grand stature as well.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Salman Butt added: “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.”
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Notably, Australia’s David Warner looked visibly upset after he was given out during their match against Sri Lanka on Monday. He was given out LBW by the on-field umpire as well. Warner opted for a review, and it seemed the ball was missing the leg stump from the naked eye as well. However, the ball-tracking showed that it was the umpire’s call and Warner had to leave the field. Moreover, veteran official Marais Erasmus also came under the scanner for his questionable decisions during the India-Pakistan match as well. He also opined on the Pakistan fans’ absence and Mickey Arthur’s comments regarding the IND vs PAK match as well.
Salman Butt, however, added: “That was totally uncalled for and unprofessional. It was something that was beyond his control and something he should be the last person to be worried about. His job is to motivate players, irrespective of the circumstances. It won’t have a good effect on the team if he makes such statements.”
The veteran also added that while Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi is exceptional with the new ball, there is still some space for him to improve in his bowling as well. However, Shaheen Afridi has failed to do well with the ball so far in the ongoing 2023 World Cup. He has claimed only four wickets from three outings.
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Salman Butt shared: “He is one of the best bowlers in the world with the new ball, especially in the first three or four overs. But when you see his second and third spells, I think he needs to learn a lot. He is not the same bowler and becomes a normal bowler once the ball gets older. He has the potential and is mentally very strong. So, there is every chance of him becoming a very, very good and complete bowler.”
